Greenwood’s new curfew for minors will go into effect Sunday, and Police Chief Henry Purnell says officers will enforce it vigorously.
“We will be out every night, making sure that the children are not breaking the curfew,” Purnell said.
Sunday through Thursday, minors must be off the streets beginning at 10 p.m. The law provides a 30-minute grace period so they can get home from special events or their jobs.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the curfew is 11 p.m. with a 30-minute grace period.
Loitering or hanging out in restaurants will not be permitted for youngsters not accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“We’re going to have officers riding by these places. If you’re not with a parent, you will be picked up,” Purnell said.
The curfew carries the following penalties:
• Parents and guardians are notified on the first offense.
• A second offense will result in a $100 fine for parents or guardians.
• A third offense will result in a $150 fine for parents or guardians and a mandatory municipal court appearance.
• A fourth offense will result in a $200 fine, and parents or guardians will have to appear before the Municipal Court judge. The offending youngsters will appear before the Leflore County Youth Court along with their parents.
• Businesses that knowingly violate the curfew and allow minors to remain in their establishments will be fined $500 on the first offense. Fines will increase by $50 for each subsequent violation along with mandatory court appearances, the chief said.
Purnell said his officers have been fully briefed on the new law and are ready to enforce it.
“We’ve been talking about it for some time. I’ve been talking to them one on one about it,” he said.
Purnell said there’s already been a noticeable decrease in unaccompanied youngsters being out at night, and he attributes that to parents being aware of the impending crackdown.
• Contact Bob Darden at bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
