Atlanta Implements Curfew For Teens

ATLANTA,None — As summer vacation kicked off, Atlanta officials outlined a summer curfew for teens Tuesday morning.

Mayor Kasim Reed, police chief George Turner and MARTA public transit general manager Beverly Scott were among city leaders who joined forces for the Summer Safety Initiative. Channel 2's Carol Sbarge attended their 10 a.m. news conference.

The curfew bans teens under 17 from roaming city streets without adult supervision after 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Saturday and Sunday, the curfew is pushed to midnight.

Officials said public recreation centers will be a safe haven for children, where drugs and gang activity will not be tolerated.

"The Atlanta Police Department will be increasing police presence at city parks and visibility at city parks and pools and strict enforcement of the city curfew," Reed said.

But officials warned parents that they will held accountable for their children's actions. If a child is caught violating the curfew, their parents face a one-time warning and a fine, jail time or community service for subsequent violations.

"If a child is out past their curfew hours, the parent is responsible for that child," Turner said.

The curfew didn't sit well with some teens.

"Teens should be able to do what they want a little bit more," Dyshondra Walton told Sbarge.

Others applauded the city's efforts to lower crime.

"I think it will cut down on the violence and the fights that go on on the streets of Atlanta," Angel McNeil said.

WSBTV