Detroit Raises Curfew Fines for Parents, Sparking Debate on Accountability and Safety

July 30, 2025

Detroit City Council has voted to increase fines for parents whose children violate the juvenile curfew law, raising penalties to $250 for first offenses and $500 for second offenses while eliminating jail time as a sentencing option. Police Chief Todd Bettison supports the updated ordinance as an accountability measure aimed at changing behavior and addressing recent youth gun violence incidents in the city. The police department plans to use curfew violations as intervention opportunities to connect families with support services rather than processing minors through the juvenile court system.

Who is affected

Parents and guardians of minors under 17 in Detroit
Detroit families, particularly those facing economic hardship
Detroit youth, especially those at risk of violating curfew
Working-class families juggling job demands and childcare responsibilities
Children who have been victims or perpetrators of gun violence

What action is being taken

Detroit City Council is increasing fines for juvenile curfew violations to $250 for first offenses and $500 for second offenses
The council is eliminating jail time as a punishment option for parents of repeat offenders
Detroit Police Department is renewing focus on curfew enforcement as part of their response to youth gun violence
Police officers are treating curfew violations as intervention opportunities to connect families with support services
Courts are offering alternative pathways to fines for struggling families

Why it matters

The ordinance aims to reduce youth violence and protect children in Detroit
The financial penalties could create significant economic strain for families already facing hardship
Research questions whether curfews effectively reduce youth crime or victimization rates
The approach represents a shift toward accountability paired with support rather than just punishment
The ordinance marks the first update to curfew penalties in Detroit in decades

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle