Prichard teen curfew 'effective immediately'

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - The City of Prichard announced its citywide teen curfew will be ‘effective immediately. ’

City council approved the ordinance back in January 2011. Officials said the curfew is designed to deter teens from skipping school, committing crimes and to help them get on the right track.  

“If they’ve committed a crime, they won’t come here. If they are just on the street loitering or at a store or something loitering, then they’ll bring that child here,” said city administrator Sharon Powe.

Officials said the newly-formed Family Intervention Team, made up of city employees and volunteers, will supervise minors when they are brought to the curfew center.

The FIT member will attempt to contact an adult and will take a psychosocial assessment of the minor in effort to learn more about their background.

 Powe said an FIT member will follow up with the teen and offer help where its needed.

"Most times, it's not just the teen that needs assistance; it's the family,” said Powe.

Powe believes finding out why a teen is on the streets unattended and addressing the problem will make Prichard’s streets more secure.

"We want to deal with the inner person. We want to deal with the mind because it's those things that will make sure that our city is safe and secure,” said Powe.

Authorities said officers will use their discretion, if they spot a teen breaking curfew.

Night time Curfew Hours :

 

•   For all areas of the City of Pirchard except that area defined as the “Downtown District” 10:00 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 6:00 a.m. of the following day.
•   12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on any Saturday or Sunday. Provided, that regardless of the day of the week upon which it falls, on each holiday recognized by the city, the evening curfew hours for the night before the holiday and the morning curfew hours for the holiday shall both begin at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and shall extend until 6:00 a.m.

For that area defined at the “Downtown District”:

• 10:00 p.m. on any day until 5:00 a.m. on the following day. The curfew applicable to the Downtown District shall not apply on New Year’s Eve, and during Mardi Gras

Day Time Curfew Hours:

• 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday during which Mobile County Public Schools are in session.

Officials said parents may face charges if their child is caught past curfew and in some cases a fine or jail time may be enforced.

1.)    Warning

2.)   Warning w/prvisions of GED classes for teenagers

3.)   Warning w/provisions of GED classes for teenager and parent

4.)   Charge Parent ( fine)