Dougherty County Commission moves closer to imposing curfew
The Dougherty County Commission is exploring the enactment of a curfew ordinance that would for youngsters under 17. The commission has discussed the topic during meetings in August and September.
ALBANY – Looking to address the issues of youth crime and gang violence, the Dougherty County Commission on Monday solicited input on a potential curfew for youngsters 17 and younger.
The commission heard from Dougherty County Police Chief Kenneth Johnson and Albany Police Chief Michael Persley during its Monday work session.
“The goal would be to lower crime, to lower gang activity,” Johnson said. “The reason I feel the county needs one is the things that happen in the city are likely to happen in the county. You have juveniles who can go right across the street (Gillionville Road) and go to McDonald’s and do whatever they want. I feel like being proactive and having a countywide (curfew).”
The city’s curfew is not meant to be strictly punitive, Persley told commissioners. It is also meant to be educational. Albany officers can give a warning for a first offense, issue citations to minors for a second offense and cite parents upon a third offense, the chief said.
The city of Albany has had a curfew since September 2004, and city and county officials have been discussing the issue of broadening its reach to include the county.
Under the city’s curfew, minors unaccompanied by an adult are prohibited from engaging in activities on streets and highways, playgrounds, restaurants and businesses between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays from midnight to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
It includes exceptions for individuals traveling to and from work as well as for religious and other approved activities. It does not apply to private property where teenagers have permission to gather.
The curfew is a tool that allows police to notify parents of where their children are, Persley said.
“From a law enforcement perspective, I believe the most important (element) is prevention, not enforcement and can also serve as an important tool for parents,” he said. “It should not be used as the sole solution for youth crime and gang activity.
“Our goal should not be solely to tell juveniles where they should not be, but should be part of providing a safe place where they can be.”
Author
Related Articles
Seventh annual Recovery in the Streets brings Saturday celebration
“We know that recovery is for the entire community,” Burgman said. “It affects us all, so we want to come together and celebrate.”
Dawson’s budget hearing: What the law requires and residents should ask
Dawson residents will have an opportunity Sept. 24 to question the city’s proposed budget before the City Council decides how to fund police, fire protection, streets and other services for the fiscal year already underway. But the documents available for review leave a basic question unanswered: How much does the city plan to spend, and what money will pay for it?
Dawson approves K-9 program, wastewater purchases amid audit delays
Questions about unfinished audits, restricted state funding and an unbalanced budget dominated a Dawson City Council meeting that also included decisions on wastewater equipment, employee benefits, a police K-9 program and the city’s dormant downtown development board.
