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Local Policy: Burbank Curfew Laws
by Michelle Calderon, staff writer for AnaiRhoads.org
AnaiRhoads.org - Curfews have been widely cited by policy makers as an effective tool for reducing youth crime. Many believe that jurisdictions with strict curfew enforcement will
experience lower overall and serious crime arrests, than jurisdictions with less strict
curfew enforcement. Cities such as Burbank, CA have policies in tackling the reduction
of juvenile crimes. Given some of the theories on criminal behavior that starts at an early age, the City of Burbank is aiming to provide early detection and prevention so that delinquent behaviors by youths can be both prevented and hopefully altered. The idea is, by reducing the number of youths on the street during certain hours, curfews are assumed to lessen the number of circumstances in which youth crime can occur. It is also assumed that curfews reduce youth crime by deterring youths from being on the streets at certain hours out of fear of being arrested.
Burbank Municipal Code Section 20-110
The City of Burbank has enacted a daytime and nighttime curfew (loitering) ordinance. One part of the ordinance deals with loitering by minors under the age of 18 between the hours of 10:00 PM and sunrise. The law is designed to protect the community from juveniles who engage in criminal mischief and to protect the juveniles from negative influences or circumstances. The law does not prohibit minors from being out during these hours, only from being out without a lawful purpose. The second part of the ordinance deals specifically with minors who are subject to compulsory education and is in effect between the hours of 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM on school days. The law does not prohibit minors from being out during these hours, only from being out without a lawful purpose. Minors in violation of this ordinance will be cited into Juvenile Traffic Court where they may be given a fine and/or community service. (Burbank PDa, 2007).
The policy regarding youths also include violations of using skateboards, bicycles, and
other vehicles in order to protect and not infringe on the rights of individuals. These laws also are aimed at preventing runaways.
The Importance of Family and Education
Children and young adults need nourishment and guidance to function well into a free society. The importance of parenting skills, good education, good health, and social
as well as religious background would distract and provide the necessary tools for those
easily influenced. Being on the streets exposed to the reality of how the world works, a
child without the necessary tools to cope and survive can become proned to subcultures
or become victims of crimes. It is imperative society protects the youth and help them to become strong enough to become independent crime-free adults.
Other Implications of Curfew Policy
Because of their emphasis on youth curfew enforcement, Burbank youth curfews
will have accelerated rates of youth crime reduction in relation to adult crime trends. The obvious implication with this is that some adult criminals start as juvenile criminals and therefore through prevention at an earlier stage, adult crime trends will drop. The implementation and enforcement of stronger "status" laws "(those imposed on children and youths but not on adults, such as laws criminalizing running away from home,
truancy, underage drinking, incorrigibility, and presence in public during certain hours)
will lessen some adult crimes" (Burbank PDb, 2007).
Deterrence Theory
Strict curfew enforcement follows the deterrence theory. Curfew laws argues
that certain, swift, and severe punishments will cause juveniles to rationally weigh
consequences and commit fewer criminal acts. Curfews also employ elements of
incapacitation theory. Incapacitation theory holds that "most youth crime is caused by a
small number of juveniles who can be identified and restrained" (Macallair, 2007).
In turn, curfews used to incapacitate juveniles who are or will be repeat offenders,
especially, will then reduce adult crimes. In essence, such laws protect youth and the
public from violence and criminality and deter violators from more serious offenses.
Conclusion
Burbank, Fullerton, and West Covina "display high rates of status and curfew
arrest; greater curfew enforcement evidences more proactive policing, which, in turn,
might result in more juvenile arrests for other offenses" (Macallair, 2007). Burbank also maintained the crime index rate at least 25 percent below the averages of local comparison cities" (Burbank, 2007).
Burbank has accomplished reducing crime for the city over the years due to combined policies. Curfew and truancy laws have been crucial implementation in prevention of youth crimes. However, other aspects of their policies, which include random and hot spot patrolling, community policing, neighborhood watch groups, rapid response time, as well as many others combined to supplement each program is the reason for the success in having a low crime community.
References:
Burbank PDa. (2007). Burbank Police.
Burbank PDb. (2007). Understanding Curfew Laws in Burbank.
Hardy, T. (2007). Funding at Truancy Crisis Center.
Macallair, D. (2007). .
Methvin, E. (2001). Mugged by Reality. (333).
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