CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WCNC) - Leaders with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) made their case to the Charlotte City Council Monday night, proposing a tighter curfew for everyone under 18 as the city tackles youth crime and so-called "teen takeovers".
These occur when hundreds of teens show up at a public space and the gathering quickly becomes a public safety challenge.
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CMPD Chief Estella Patterson said she is worried these teen takeovers will eventually become fatal. The proposal is a 9 p.m. curfew for anyone under 18. There are exceptions for work, school, sports and other approved activities.
Many council members said they are not ready to commit to the proposal without more clarity on what happens to the youth and their parents if they don't comply. The proposal suggest violations would result in juvenile sentencing for repeat offenders.
"We all know that a curfew is one tool, but at the end of the day, we must address the underlying issue, which is our bigger responsibility to ensure that kids have safe places to go," said Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera.
There will be another meeting and a vote set for a future date.