The city council finds that in recent years, there has been a significant increase
in juvenile victimization and crime. At the same time, the crimes committed by and
against juveniles have become more violent. A significant percentage of juvenile crime
occurs during curfew hours. Because of their lack of maturity and experience, juveniles
are particularly susceptible to becoming victims of older perpetrators. The younger
a person is, the more likely he is to be a victim of crime. While parents have the
primary responsibility to provide for the safety and welfare of juveniles, the city
also has a substantial interest in the safety and welfare of juveniles. Moreover,
the city has an interest in preventing juvenile crime, promoting parental supervision,
and providing for the well being of the general public. A city-wide curfew will reduce
juvenile victimization and crime and will advance public safety, health and general
welfare.
