Indy superintendents back youth curfew as IMPD preps for weekend before WNBA All-Star game
The proposed ordinance would begin curfew hours two hours earlier than the current law, restricting unsupervised public access for minors between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday for youth ages 15 to 17. For those younger than 15, the curfew would apply daily from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
In a press release, the superintendents said that the proposal is not about punishment, but prevention.
"As leaders, we see firsthand the promise and potential of our young people as well as the responsibility we share — as educators, parents, and community leaders — to ensure their safety and well-being. A curfew reinforces those values. It sends a clear message that our community stands united in protecting our youth and investing in their future."
The superintendents said the curfew creates conditions where youth can thrive, and not just survive. The proposal would reclaim streets and neighborhoods and create a collective peace of mind.
Indianapolis Public Schools, Warren Township, Wayne Township, Pike Township, Washington Township, Decatur Township, School Town of Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence Township, Perry Township, and Franklin Township Community School Corporation want Proposal No. 232, introduced by Councilor Leroy Robinson, to pass.
This weekend lands between the WNBA All-Star game, which is set to bring thousands downtown, and last weekend's mass shooting that left two teens dead after seven people between the ages of 16-21 were shot near Monument Circle.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey pinned a video to social channels, stating that the department needed help to send young people a message of non-violence.
"I'm asking and I'm begging that we have a peaceful and safe weekend," Bailey said in a video. "I'm asking for help from everyone in the community. Let's put the guns and the weapons down. Let's look at this precious life that we only have one of."
He said the department is as committed as ever to keep the community safe, and Maj. Corey Mims with the department's Community Engagement and Outreach Bureau said there will be around 200 police officers working the area downtown.
"It can't just be the police. It has to be the community," Mims said. "It has to be the parents. It has to be the community organizations that are available to our kids and our families throughout the city of Indianapolis. It takes everybody."
The department's call to action from the community is making sure parents aren't dropping off their kids downtown or allowing teens and kids to take Ubers and roam around unsupervised.
Mims also said the goal for the department isn't to mass-arrest kids who do break curfew.
"It's not meant to be punitive," Mims said. "Again, we encourage our parents and our guardians to be in the know where their kids are. We want to be able to have conversations with the kids that we do come in contact with. Hopefully, it doesn't happen after curfew has been implemented."
The superintendents are urging residents and parents to contact their City-County Council representative and voice support for Proposal No. 232. The ordinance will be reviewed by the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee at 5:30 p.m. July 16, where public comment is welcome.
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