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RICH SQUARE – Town officials in Rich Square held a public discussion during their regular meeting on Sept. 5 about a proposed juvenile curfew ordinance.

Citizens were encouraged to ask questions to the town board and Police Chief W.T. Smith to get a better understanding of what the proposal would entail.

The proposed ordinance would enact a curfew for juveniles under the age of 18 in town between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night. There are exceptions to the curfew if the juvenile is traveling from work or a school activity, responding to an emergency, or is accompanied by an adult.

Chief Smith likened it to the same kinds of restrictions on teenagers when they first receive their driver’s license.

“This is a very inclusive ordinance,” stated Mayor Victoria Newcombe about the exceptions.

“I would love to see a curfew in the town of Rich Square,” said Chief Smith in support of the ordinance. “We need to start somewhere.”

But he also noted that enforcement could be an issue. Officers can pick up a juvenile out after hours, but have to keep them until a parent or guardian is found. He also stated that the parents get charged for curfew violations instead of the juveniles themselves.

Despite that, however, Smith said he thought the ordinance might be a helpful deterrent.

“It’s not going to be a quick fix, but if we do it together, it’s a start,” Chief Smith said.

Citizens in attendance at the meeting asked a variety of questions about the proposal. One person asked if there was any data from other towns with similar policies that have been successful.

Town commissioner Larry Godwin stated that several towns have similar ordinances, but Chief Smith noted that this would be the first in Northampton County. He mentioned Scotland Neck as one example of a town that recently enacted a curfew and then saw fewer issues afterwards.

Another question was about whether the ordinance gave the police department the right to stop people that they didn’t have before.

Chief Smith explained that the ordinance doesn’t give them extra authority over juveniles. If any criminal charges arise, that would still be handled by Juvenile Justice as before. The curfew is just a tool to help them get teens back home to their parents/guardians.

One citizen asked if they should contact the police department if they see juveniles out past curfew. Chief Smith said they can call the police department’s non-emergency phone number for that.

During the discussion, some raised the possibility of holding an educational meeting so that more people will be aware of the ordinance. Mayor Newcombe also noted that ordinances are available to read on the town’s website.

According to the proposed curfew ordinance, its purpose is “to protect juveniles from victimization and exposure to criminal activity.” It is intended “to reinforce and promote the health, safety and welfare of both juveniles and adults by creating an environment offering better protection and security for all concerned.”

The town board did not vote on the ordinance during the meeting, but are expected to include it on the agenda again for approval at their next meeting scheduled for October 3.