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AHOSKIE – In an effort to keep youngsters safe as well as reducing criminal activity, the Ahoskie Police Department will enforce a juvenile curfew effective immediately.

Ahoskie has an ordinance within its town code book that addresses juveniles on the streets after midnight. As cited in that ordinance, its purpose is to protect juveniles from victimization and exposure to criminal activity by establishing a curfew for juveniles under the age of 18 years within the town limits. This section 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 Juvenile Curfew Law states that a juvenile that’s not 18 years of age cannot be walking around, hanging in parking lots, parks, restaurants, places of businesses, public dances and throughout the town of Ahoskie during the times of 12 midnight to 6 am in the morning without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This is every day of the week, Sunday through Saturday,” stated Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett.

“The reason behind this is to protect our juveniles from being a victim of a crime and to decrease the number of crimes that involve our juveniles,” Garrett added. “Some of the recent shots fired calls fall between the curfew hours and have been linked to juveniles. With that being said, we are asking for parents and legal guardians to have a discussion with your child or children explaining to them the Juvenile Curfew Law and why it’s important to abide by it.”

Garrett noted that a juvenile curfew is ineffective if it does not create a consequence for its violation. Juvenile(s) found violating the curfew will be transported to the Ahoskie Police Department. The parent or legal guardian will be contacted and will have to come to the police office to have that youngster released to their custody.

A written warning will be given to the parent/guardian for a first time violation. A $50 Town Ordinance Ticket will be written to the parent or legal guardian of the child for subsequent violations.

The Town Ordinance Ticket must be paid within five business days from the date of issuance. If not paid within that time frame, a criminal summons will be issued to appear in Hertford County District Court.

“It’s not a great idea to have your teenagers out and about all night, when you don’t know where they are, and you don’t know when they’re going to get home,” Garrett stated. “Communicate with your children about the Juvenile Curfew Law so they will understand we are trying to keep them safe from harm and also it offers a peace of mind for you as a parent and legal guardian.”

For additional information about the curfew, contact Chief Garrett at (252) 332-5011.