The proposed resolution by Councilmember Brooke Pinto seeks to address an emergency situation regarding public safety in the District of Columbia by amending the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995. The resolution aims to grant the Mayor the authority to extend juvenile curfew hours when necessary to protect public safety and property, as well as to empower the Chief of Police to establish specific zones with extended curfew hours under certain circumstances. Additionally, the resolution proposes to extend the applicability of the juvenile curfew to include 17-year-olds.

The need for this emergency legislation arises from a noticeable increase in concerning behavior among unaccompanied youth in the District, including instances of violence and criminal activity in various neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has reported challenges in managing these incidents, despite implementing various strategies. The resolution highlights the success of temporary juvenile curfew zones during the summer months, which effectively reduced gatherings of youth during extended hours. Therefore, the Council believes that immediate action is necessary to ensure the safety of both young people and the public, allowing for the adoption of the amendment after a single reading.