Memphis teens have been grabbing the headlines for the wrong reasons for weeks now, with these troubled adolescents being charged with car thefts, carjackings, and even murder. Community advocates joined forces on Monday, August 29, demanding solutions to this growing problem.
They urged police and parents to better enforce the city's curfew law already on the books and cut down on crimes at hours teenagers should not be out in the first place. Kenny Lee, part of the crime intervention group "Ride Of Tears," said in an interview that crime is just ridiculous and out of control.
He demanded parents of the teens doing crimes be held accountable. He wanted them to stop saying they would do something and instead do something for real. Community advocates demanded stronger parental involvement and police enforcement of the city of Memphis curfew law that has been in place for decades.
Who should enforce the curfew law?
The curfew law states the different hours a 17-year-old or those 16 and younger must be home in Memphis each day of the week. It also spells out the responsibility of parents to ensure their kid follows the curfew. The law allows exceptions for teens running errands or going to and from work.
Lee said that he is not trying to be hard on the police, but if there is a curfew ordinance, why are they still having killings, and why are young people still walking the streets? Memphis Police Association President Lt. Essica Cage-Rosario told ABC24 that they expect the parents to be the first to enforce the curfew law.
Cops say they don't have the manpower to do the parenting required
She said that they don't have the manpower or time to do the required parenting as they are busy dealing with shootings and other crimes that take priority.
A spokesperson for the Memphis Police Department added that when an officer encounters a juvenile, the officer will attempt to contact a parent or guardian to pick up the child. The officer can also take the child home.
The spokesperson said that Juvenile Court would not take a child for curfew violation, meaning an officer will have to stand by, out of service, until someone comes and picks up the child. They ask that parents and guardians be aware of their children's whereabouts. The spokesperson added that juvenile curfew violations could be reduced if parents and/or guardians closely monitor their children's actions.
Teens found violating the curfew law are usually brought home by a Memphis police officer or held at a police precinct until a parent picks the child up. A parent of a child who violated curfew is typically charged with a misdemeanor and faces up to a $50 fine, according to Fox 13 Memphis.
