Facts and Figures on D.C. Curfew Change

Yes. Youths can be out if they are with a parent or have written permission from a parent. They also are permitted to be on the way home from work or on an outing as part of a civic or church group.

Doesn't the city already have a curfew? How is this different?

Yes, but the hours are changing. Under a law that took effect in 1999, curfew was 12:01 a.m. in July and August. During the rest of the year, the cutoff time was 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 12:01 a.m. weekends. Except for the 10 p.m. cutoff, the new law is the same as the old.

Why the change?

The mayor, council and police are concerned about an increase in robberies and weapons offenses committed by juveniles. They believe the curfew will cut crime by keeping potential offenders and victims off the streets.

Who enforces the curfew?

D.C. police. Officers already are on the lookout for youths out late at night. So far this year, they have taken 2,000 juveniles off the street for curfew violations.

What happens to curfew violators?

Police take them to one of two curfew centers in the city. There, they call parents to pick them up. If a parent does not come by 6 a.m., the youth is taken to the city's Child and Family Services Agency.

Are there other penalties?

Yes. Young people who repeatedly violate the curfew could be required to serve up to 25 hours of community service. A parent or legal guardian who knowingly permits a minor to violate the law could be fined up to $500 and ordered to perform community service.

How long will the new rules remain the law?

The emergency crime bill runs for 90 days. The council could act to make the change permanent.

-- Allison Klein and Nikita Stewart