Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 11, 1992 TAG: 9201110312
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
CURFEW LAW DUE REVIEW
Roanoke has a curfew for youngsters, but it's not always enforced. And now the law might be revised.City Manager Bob Herbert has appointed a committee to review the curfew and determine whether changes are needed.
Youngsters younger than 18 aren't suppose to congregate or loiter in parking lots or other public places after 10 o'clock at night.
It's unlawful for them to "loiter, idle, wander, stroll or play in or upon" the alleys, streets, parks, playgrounds, vacant lots or "places of amusement or entertainment" between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Upset by late-night gatherings of teen-agers, some residents have pointed to the curfew as a tool that police could use to curb disturbances in the Williamson Road area and other neighborhoods. They have complained that police officers sometimes are too lax in enforcing the law.
Mary Terry was one of those who favored tougher enforcement of the curfew until she learned more about the law and problems police face in enforcing it.
Now, because the law is so complex and contains many exceptions, she has sympathy for police officers who are charged with enforcing it.
The curfew doesn't apply to minors who are accompanied by parents or those who attend sports and recreational events sponsored by schools. It also exempts shows that are sponsored by governmental agencies or events where police officers are present.
Terry, chairwoman of Concerned Citizens of Roanoke, will ask City Council next week to revise the curfew so it will be more effective in dealing with late-night disturbances or gatherings by minors.
The 10 p.m. curfew seems unrealistic for teen-agers who are 16 and 17, but it might be appropriate for younger children, she said. She suggested the time should be different for different ages.
Even city officials admit that the curfew needs to be revised, but they say the problem of youngsters gathering in parking lots and other public places can't be solved solely with a curfew.
George Snead, director of administration and safety, said Friday the curfew is difficult to enforce because of logistical and practical problems.
Snead said youngsters who are found to be violating the curfew cannot be jailed. Police are required to turn them over to intake officers for the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, he said. Intake officers aren't immediately available, especially on the weekends, he said.
Once youngsters are cited for a curfew violation, police officers must assume responsibility for them until they are turned over to juvenile authorities or their parents, Snead said. "It is a time-consuming process."