For Immediate Release:  August 1, 2019 

The Atlantic City Police Department will begin to strictly enforce the Juvenile Curfew Act that was enacted by City Council in 2006.  At that time, the members of City Council determined that there had been an increase in juvenile violence, juvenile gang activity and crimes being committed by persons under the age of 18 years old.  Unfortunately, the same can be said today.  With the recent violence in Atlantic City against our youth and committed by our youth, it is time that we take action. 

Officers will be enforcing the city curfew ordinance which is 10:00 pm to 6:00 am each day for juveniles under the age of 18.  Anyone appearing under the age of 18 without a parent is subject to being stopped after 10:00 pm.   

Juveniles that are in violation of the ordinance will be brought to the Public Safety Building and a parent or guardian will be notified.  Violators can be issued a summons as well as their parent or guardian.  Penalties could include fines up to $1,000.00 and community service.  

There are exceptions to the ordinance which include; emergencies, coming from work, and being with a parent or guardian. 

The purpose of the enforcement is simple.  We want to eliminate potential victims that are hanging out on the street with no purpose.  Many of our violent crimes take place after 10:00 pm.  If we can eliminate potential victims, we can reduce the number of crimes that take place throughout our city.  In this same process, we could be eliminating the chance for someone under the age of 18 to commit a crime.  Our goal is to keep the children of Atlantic City safe.