City officials announced upcoming changes to enforce youth curfews as an initiative to keep minors of the streets and away from the rise in violence.
According to city officials, the city is working to partner with 10 local houses of worship, where in the case a youth is found more than 100 yards from home - between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. - instead of bringing them to police precincts, they will be taken to one of the locations to engaged in "positive activity" and receive counseling until they can be picked up by a parent or guardian.
However, if children are not picked up within a reasonable time or show signs of abuse or neglect, the Department of Youth and Family Services will be contacted.
First time violators and parents will receive a written warning, that will be kept in police file for 6 months.
A second-time violator will result in the arrest of the juvenile.
The third offense will result in a summons to parents or guardians of up to $1,000.
Anyone with questions or in need of more information about the curfew can call (973) 733-4311.