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Youth Curfew Extension?

Updated: Jan 23

What was originally adopted in 2023 and extended through December 31st, 2024, the city curfew is going to be considered for another extension, but this time for a full calendar year. The News & Advance highlighted Council's review at our latest work session, and I've provided a link to the full article here for context.


For reference, the curfew is from 11 pm until 5 am, punishable by a Class 4 misdemeanor, with some exceptions for parents and guardians to provide.


Finally, I have been the only member of Council to oppose the curfew since its inception, in large part due to the research that shows limited impact on desired outcomes and civil liberties taken away. As with a mask mandate and now with a curfew, I don't believe it is the role of government to dictate when and how your children should be raised.


That being said, what does the data show us? Has the curfew done its job? Not in the slightest. The following data is from information before and after adoption of the curfew. Violent Crimes committed by Juveniles (JVC):

- Aggravated Assaults +200%

- Homicide no decrease

- Robbery +100%

- Sexual Assaults +58%


Juvenile Victims:

- Aggravated Assault -19% (this is the only good data point in this report from what I can tell).

- Homicide +350%

- Robbery +200%

- Sexual Assault +18%

- Increase Overall +12%


JVC By Time Of Day:

- Morning +50%

- Afternoon +18%

- Evening +800%

- Night +31% Total results — 103% increase in total JVC overall since adopting the curfew for youth, and 12% increase for juvenile victims overall.


Worse, these increases are with only 3 (!!!) persons charged under the curfew ordinance in 2024.


Government, especially at the local level, must adopt polices based on facts and data rather than emotion and perception.


For a third time, I’ll vote against the youth curfew.

 

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If you'd like access to the data I am referring to, here are the links to those memos:


Thank you for the opportunity to serve you on Lynchburg City Council. If I may ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Yours,


Chris Faraldi, M.A.

Lynchburg City Council




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