Introduction to the Issue
Chicago police are warning business owners and people who live near Millennium Park to prepare for a possible "teen takeover" Friday night.
The warning has prompted some city leaders to renew their effort to move the city’s curfew time back from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. after an earlier attempt failed.
Background on the Curfew Effort
2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, who is behind the first attempt, says he’s working to get the measure up for a vote next week, and this time he thinks it has a good chance of passing — even without the mayor’s support.
"We can’t wait anymore. The warm weather is knocking on our door and with it comes increased activity. So we have to act now, rather then react after someone else gets shot," Hopkins said.
Recent Incidents
A 46-year-old tourist and a 15-year-old boy were hit by gunfire at two different teen gatherings in Streetville last month.
Ald. Hopkins wants the current Chicago curfew to be moved back from 10 pm to 8 p.m.
"So many of these events recently have taken place around 7-8 p.m., and then they really start to gain momentum by 10 p.m. You can’t enforce the curfew when you’ve got 50 police officers and 500 teenagers. The numbers just don’t work," Hopkins said.
Opposition and Support
He says he has more aldermen on board for his second attempt to change the curfew, and possibly expand it outside the central business district. So far, Mayor Brandon Johnson has resisted it.
"I haven’t really thought much about curfews to be honest with you. I think I spend more time thinking about how we actually can invest in young people, and create healthy spaces for them to be able to exercise their hearts desires and do it in a constructive way," Johnson said.
Prevention Efforts
CPS sent an email to parents at CPD’s request Thursday night, to warn parents not to let their children attend these events.
CPD sends message to CPS parents on preventing teen takeovers
"I hope it works. I hope the letter has an effect. But if it doesn’t, we need an effective police response and that’s what my curfew ordinance would provide," Hopkins said.
CPD also said in that email that it would try to diffuse situations before enforcing curfew violations, but if children do not comply they may be arrested.
Conclusion
The situation in Chicago highlights the ongoing debate about curfews and their effectiveness in preventing violence and ensuring public safety. As the city moves forward, it will be important to consider the perspectives of both city leaders and the community in finding a solution that works for everyone.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current curfew in Chicago?
A: The current curfew in Chicago is 10 p.m. - Q: What is being proposed?
A: Ald. Brian Hopkins is proposing to move the curfew back to 8 p.m. - Q: Why is this being proposed?
A: The proposal is in response to recent incidents of violence at teen gatherings and to prevent future "teen takeovers." - Q: What does the Mayor think about the proposal?
A: Mayor Brandon Johnson has resisted the idea, instead focusing on investing in young people and creating healthy spaces for them.
