City leaders propose changes to curfew ordinance

(6/26/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The curfew for the city of Houston may be changing -- and many teenagers are already saying they don't like the biggest proposed change.

Currently in the city of Houston, if you are 17 years of age, you can stay out until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. But that curfew is likely to change soon. That means if you are 16 or younger, you'll have to go home a lot earlier.

Houston city councilman Adrian Garcia went to students, looking for input on the potential changes.

He said, "Probably what we would get the most bang for the buck, if you will, is doing it 10pm across the board, 365 days a year."

The new curfew rules would affect anyone under 17 years of age. Houston police say the current midnight curfew on Friday and Saturday nights must be toughened. Officers say so far this year they've arrested 2,500 juveniles committing crimes in Houston between the hours of 10pm and 11pm.

HPD Assistant Chief Michael Thaler explained, "They may be involved in thefts, assaultive behavior or other behaviors like that. But the 10:00 to 11:00 hour is important, in that we want to make sure that juveniles do not become victims of crimes."

Some parents like the new rule proposal, saying kids 16 and under should not be allowed to go out after 10pm right now.

"I have four boys that I'm raising," said parent Eddie Thomas. "I'm trying to keep them on the right path. You youth need to take this to heed. I would hate to see one of you youth with a ticket."

But what about the students? The 17 and 18 year olds are fine with the idea, but some under 16 are not.

"If you could drive, I think you shouldn't have to come in the house early," said Iris Grant, 14. "If you're my age, yeah, you should come in the house early."

"If you're 16, I think you should be able to stay out past 10," said Shantavia Johnson, 14.

There would be some exceptions to the proposed curfew change -- anyone coming home from work, anyone coming home from a church or civic function, or anyone coming home from a school event like a football game. In addition, anyone with their parents would be allowed on the streets after 10pm.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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