Fayetteville, North Carolina, is taking a firm stance on addressing rising youth crime with a new citywide curfew for minors. Mayor Mitch Colvin introduced the measure, which prohibits children under 16 from being in public spaces between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., with specific exceptions for activities such as running errands, attending school events, and participating in religious services. This decision follows a period of significant concern over juvenile crime, with city leaders reporting nearly 2,000 incidents involving minors over about 16 months. Colvin emphasized that the curfew is a proactive approach to safeguard the community, especially after the recent shooting of a 12-year-old cheerleader at a carnival in March.
The curfew is designed to hold parents and guardians accountable for their children’s actions, with penalties including citations, fines, and potential legal consequences for repeated violations. Mayor Colvin explained that the ordinance is structured to target the responsible adults rather than the children themselves, aiming to instill a sense of duty and responsibility in the community. Colvin, a father of three daughters, expressed his strong motivation for the curfew after learning about the incident involving Adrianna Bethea, a young girl he knew personally. The shooting at the carnival, which left Bethea in critical condition and fighting to walk again, deeply affected the mayor and underscored the urgency of the measure.
As the city moves forward with the implementation of the curfew, Fayetteville is also expanding its youth recreational activities and partnerships with local organizations that offer mentorship programs. A new midnight basketball program is among the initiatives aimed at keeping young people engaged in positive activities. Additionally, the city has announced the arrival of a new police chief, who will play a key role in enforcing the curfew and coordinating with various departments to create a safer environment for youth. Colvin’s approach highlights a growing trend in cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, which have also adopted similar measures to combat youth crime. As the city transitions into an ‘educational’ phase of the curfew, residents are being informed of the new rules, with punitive actions following for those who violate the ordinance.