The proposed resolution by Councilmember Brooke Pinto seeks to declare an emergency regarding the need to amend the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995. The amendments would empower the Mayor to extend juvenile curfew hours in the District to enhance public safety and protect property. It also allows the Chief of Police to establish specific curfew zones under certain conditions, proposes to start curfew hours at 11 p.m. daily, and extends the curfew's applicability to include 17-year-olds. Additionally, the resolution aims to make necessary changes to the Volunteer Services Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.
The resolution highlights a concerning rise in violent and criminal behavior among unaccompanied youth in the District, particularly since 2023, with incidents reported in various neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has previously implemented temporary juvenile curfew zones during the summer months, which were effective in reducing gatherings that led to violence. However, since the expiration of the previous emergency amendment in October 2025, there has been a resurgence of large youth gatherings resulting in fights and robberies. The resolution emphasizes the urgent need for legislative action to restore the tools necessary for MPD to proactively manage youth gatherings and ensure the safety of both young people and the public.