The Little Rock City Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to implement a curfew for minors, requiring children and teens under the age of 18 to be off the streets by 10 p.m. The new ordinance will end on Sept. 2.
The decision follows a weekend shooting in the River Market district that sent dozens of people running for safety. Several parents expressed concerns about the safety of young people out late at night.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. calls for new weekend curfew hours
One Sherwood resident, Braden Hammock said “nothing good happens after 10 o’clock.” Hammock said he believes the new curfew will help ensure the safety of minors while holding parents accountable for their children’s whereabouts.
“This will keep everything a little bit safer. People won’t have to worry too much more. It’ll kind of fall back on the parents,” Hammock said.
The ordinance comes at a time when the city’s Street Intervention Team is increasingly visible in downtown areas like the River Market, working to diffuse conflicts, prevent violence and address disturbances.
“Some parents want to let their kids be kids, and some parents are a little more strict about where their kids are. I feel this ordinance does hold parents a little bit more accountable,” Hammock added.
City leaders emphasized alternative activities for teens, particularly in the evening hours, as a means of providing structure and diversion. Programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program, which offers job opportunities and skills training, and City-sanctioned Midnight Basketball Leagues held on Thursday and Friday nights, are designed to engage minors in safe and productive activities.
Tron Ross, a Sherwood resident, supports the curfew despite his children being too young for the measure. He believes the ordinance provides an opportunity for youth to explore different activities and hobbies.
“Having that cap, being able to be home, I think it’s a really good move on the city,” Ross said. “My kids do swim, basketball, tennisanything that they can do just to keep busy. I think with that law being implemented, they’ll try to find other things throughout the day to channel their energy.”
Locals describe ‘shocking’ weekend incident involving gunfire in downtown Little Rock, mayor looking to make curfew changes
As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to curb violence and ensure public safety, the Street Intervention Team is already focusing its efforts on the River Market, where the weekend shooting occurred. In total, the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) has issued 21 citations this year to minors found violating the city’s existing curfew.
Ross said the curfew ordinance is a proactive step by city leaders to reduce incidents of youth-related violence and encourage greater parental involvement in ensuring their children’s safety.
The curfew is expected to be in effect year-round, with the city urging parents to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines to avoid potential fines or penalties.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI