Introduction to the Warning
The Chicago Police Department sent a letter to parents of Chicago Public Schools students, warning them about large and often dangerous teen gatherings, including one expected to take place this weekend.
A 46-year-old tourist and a 15-year-old boy were hit by gunfire at two different teen gatherings, also known as teen takeovers, earlier this year.
“To protect your children’s safety, the Chicago Police Department strongly encourages parents to refrain from allowing youth to attend these events,” the department said.
Potential Gathering at Chicago Beach
CPD also says it has been made aware of a potential gathering at one of Chicago’s beaches this weekend, though the letter did not specify which beach or when the gathering is planned for.
“While beaches can be informal and relaxed places for young people to connect, it’s important to remember that these spaces come with specific safety concerns and restrictions” CPD said.
The department also reminded parents that Chicago beaches do not open until May 23.
Safety Concerns and Restrictions
According to CPD, in the event of a teen takeover, officers will focus on de-escalation, but curfews will be enforced and if necessary, arrests will be made.
In the City of Chicago, the curfew is 8:30 p.m. for minors under 12 years old, and 10 p.m. for those aged 12 and older.
“We want our young people to explore and enjoy the great city they live in. But large, unsupervised gatherings promoted on social media are not the best way to do that,” CPD said.
Letter to Parents
To the Parents/Guardians of CPS Students:
We know that as the school year draws to a close and the weather grows warmer, Chicago’s young people will want to spend more time outside. Today, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is asking for your partnership to make sure our youth stay safe and supported as they enjoy their beautiful city.
Over the past several months, we’ve seen an increase in large, unsupervised groups of teens and young adults from in and around Chicago. Last month, two shootings were associated with these gatherings. To protect your children’s safety, the Chicago Police Department strongly encourages parents to refrain from allowing youth to attend these events.
Through posts on social media, the Chicago Police Department has been made aware of a potential gathering at one of Chicago’s beaches this weekend. While beaches can be informal and relaxed places for young people to connect, it’s important to remember that these spaces come with specific safety concerns and restrictions — especially before the official start of summer.
Important Reminders
We urge you to review these important reminders about Chicago’s beaches, and to go over them with your children:
- Chicago’s beaches do not officially open until Friday, May 23
- No lifeguards are currently assigned to our city’s beaches
- Alcohol is prohibited on all Chicago beaches.
- All beach visitors are subject to search.
- Citywide curfew laws apply on the beach just as they do throughout Chicago.
CPD’s Goal
CPD’s goal is to ensure public safety while maintaining peace. Therefore, in instances of large gatherings, we will use de-escalation and dispersal techniques to encourage our young people to comply with the law. This will be particularly important in situations where young people are walking in roadways and/or obstructing the public way. Individuals who fail to voluntarily comply with lawful police orders may be subject to arrest.
Curfew Hours
As a reminder, curfew hours for the City of Chicago are 10 p.m. for minors 12 and older and 8:30 p.m. for minors younger than 12, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the curfew is 9 p.m.
In all instances, curfew hours remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. the following day.
Partnership for Safety
As long as it is safe to do so, members of the CPD will make every attempt to educate young people on these rules and have them disperse voluntarily before enforcing curfew laws. Protective action will only be taken when a minor refuses to comply despite those efforts.
We want our young people to explore and enjoy the great city they live in. But large, unsupervised gatherings promoted on social media are not the best way to do that. Instead, we urge families to explore the many offerings available through your children’s schools, community and faith-based organizations, and city agencies like the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library.
Conclusion
The Chicago Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, especially the youth. By working together with parents and the community, we can prevent large and dangerous teen gatherings and promote a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
FAQs
Q: What is a teen takeover?
A: A teen takeover refers to a large gathering of teens and young adults, often promoted on social media, which can lead to safety concerns and disruptions.
Q: What are the curfew hours in Chicago?
A: The curfew hours in Chicago are 8:30 p.m. for minors under 12 years old, and 10 p.m. for those aged 12 and older.
Q: Are beaches open in Chicago?
A: No, Chicago beaches do not officially open until Friday, May 23.
Q: What should parents do to keep their children safe?
A: Parents should refrain from allowing their children to attend large, unsupervised gatherings, and encourage them to explore safe and supervised activities through schools, community organizations, and city agencies.
The video above is a related story from April 18: Streeterville tests new safety measures in Ogden Plaza to prevent teen takeovers as summer nears
