By CORRINNA BONET
corrinna@newsroom.byu.edu
Pleasant Grove City officials say that a new curfew ordinance implemented to reduce juvenile crime has received nothing but positive feedback.
The ordinance, which requires everyone under 18 to be off the streets by 11 p.m., was approved last week.
An increase in problems such as theft and vandalism in the community led to the change, said Capt. Cody Cullimore of the Pleasant Grove Police Department.
Pleasant Grove's old curfew was part of a uniform curfew law that was enforced throughout Utah County about 10 years ago, Cullimore said.
This curfew, which is still effective in Provo, Orem and other county cities, required all juveniles to be off the streets by 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, the curfew was extended to 1 a.m. for 16 and 17 year olds.
It led to confusion among parents, juveniles and officers, said Tina Petersen, Pleasant Grove City attorney.
But, city officials have spent a year working on the new curfew, which is easier to enforce and understand, she said.
Although the new ordinance is the most restrictive in the state, there are a few exceptions.
Considerations will be made for juveniles who are traveling to and from school, church activities and work. Those who are with a parent or responsible adult will also be taken into account.
'We want to soften this for people who actually have business to do,' Petersen said.
The state of Utah is working with municipalities to develop overall crime reduction plans, and the implementation of this curfew is part of Pleasant Grove's plan.
'In the last three years there has been a significant increase in juvenile crime between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.,' Petersen said.
The majority of the city's property crimes, such as theft and vandalism, are committed by juveniles, Cullimore said
Initially, juveniles who are stopped for curfew infractions will receive a warning. Subsequent stops may lead to citations and referrals to juvenile court.
First time offenders referred to juvenile court are required to attend a educational class about law infractions with a parent. Upon completion of the class, they are assessed a fine, usually $25.
If they pay the fine on time, the infraction will not appear on the individual's record, said Julie Poulson, supervisor of diversion services for the 4th District Juvenile Court .