Next week, the Philadelphia City Council will vote on a to set a 10 p.m. curfew for 14 to 17-year-olds, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The measure is intended to keep minors safe from gun violence this summer. Council members and Philadelphia Police Department have expressed support for the bill, which is projected to pass. Children who are out past curfew will be fined up to $500 and escorted home by police. If this is not possible, they will be taken to a community center and given a meal and resources. Over 900 curfew violations have occurred as of June 9.
For decades, Philadelphia has had a midnight curfew for 14 to 17-year-olds, and a 9:30 curfew for children under 14. Experts say curfews are ineffective and do not reduce crime rates. Since 2015, a majority of shootings, involved 18 to 29-year-olds. When minors were shot, it usually occurred outside of curfew hours. Critics also believe that tougher curfew measures could cause negative interactions between minors and police. Council members still believe they should do anything possible to prevent crime and protect children.