Youth curfew goes into effect at National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (DC News Now) — The emergency youth curfew went into effect Friday at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County.
A large police presence was seen Friday night to prevent what was seen last weekend with hundreds of kids getting violent.
DC News Now saw about 40 police cruisers and motorcycles staged near the National Harbor before the curfew went into effect.
Emergency teen curfew bill advances after National Harbor brawl
Officers spent time educating people walking by, but there were no major issues.
There were also signs on every corner telling people walking around about the emergency juvenile curfew.
Prince George’s County police officers showed how serious they are about enforcing the curfew.
“We are serious. I think the county executive was very serious when she put forth the emergency order,” The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Chief, Malik Aziz, said.
The emergency order was announced Thursday after last weekend county leaders said about 800 young people were fighting, shoplifting, smoking marijuana and being confrontational with business owners, neighbors and police.
“I think it’s good because they be out here going crazy man, last couple of weeks, last month, last year for real,” said Robert Moon.
Prince George’s County council introduces juvenile curfew zone bill
Aziz spent Friday afternoon talking with people and business owners in the area.
“It’s about prevention. It’s about education. It’s about engagement long before we get to enforcement,” Aziz said.
Anyone 16 years old and younger are not allowed to be alone at the National Harbor between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“I feel like it’s smart because it would keep the Harbor under control and people wouldn’t have to worry about their outsides and whereabouts,” said Joshua Self.
Exceptions to the curfew include young people with someone 21 years old and older, those on the sidewalk near their home or at a neighbor’s home, those returning home from school, work or an activity and those attending senior prom at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
Neighbors hope this bucks the trend of violence.
“Putting a curfew might stop it, it might not but we ain’t going to see unless we try,” Moon said.
Teens and their parents are given a warning for the first offense, but after that, parents could be fined up to $250 plus other fees.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
