SALISBURY, Md.- The Salisbury Police Department has asked the City Council to consider a citywide curfew that would impact everyone under the age of 17 in the city.
The proposed idea has several pieces. First, anyone under the age of 14 would not be allowed to hang out in public places between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am without an adult. Minors ages 14 to 16 would have that curfew extended to 10 pm on weekdays. And stretched again to 11 pm on weekends and during the summer months.
There would also be a daytime curfew as well. It would impact anyone 16 and under. The would not be allowed to be hanging out in a public place between the hours of 7:30 am to 3 pm on days they should be in school.
WBOC spoke with neighbors in Salisbury who were excited about the idea, but concerned about some minors actually complying with the new potential rule.
"I can appreciate it. It's important to have the kids where they should be. In school for the day one, and I don't really think that there's a lot to do around here to be out at the evening time that they're considering," said Myrna Rodriguez.
"I would follow it. I mean, I don't know if everyone would follow it because some kids are just disobedient. And some parents run a good household and some kids are just not going to listen," said Idriea Strand.
If a minor is picked up by police while breaking the curfew, they will be taken home, to school, or to a designated area where they can be picked up by their parents. As far as enforcement, the proposed curfew says it is unlawful for a parent to knowingly, or by insufficient control, allow their children to break curfew. A first time offense is a municipal infraction. Any subsequent infractions could lead to a fine up to $500 or community service.
The proposed curfew is on the City Council's work shop agenda for next week.
