Beginning this weekend, Prince George's County in the state of Maryland will implement a curfew for children under the age of 17. Police and local officials announced Monday that the measure will be implemented following a string of violent crimes coupled by a spike in homicides within the community: a reported 24 murders in August, police have called last month the deadliest month in three decades.
The curfew is intended to last for at least 30 days from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
With this measure, fines will be imposed on minors who are on the street during the hours of the restriction, unless accompanied by an adult.
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks told a news conference that more than 350 auto thefts have occurred this year, compared to 91 in 2019. A shooting in which included a baby being wounded was the trigger for this measure.
Crime Press Conference with Police Chief Aziz DD on https://t.co/Pge0FayS9o
- County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (@CEXAlsobrooks) September 5, 2022
Alsobrooks explained that the police are "arresting and re-arresting the same children," while reporting on the minors' criminal activities.
"At this point, these children not only need a hug, but they need to be held accountable," the county executive said.
Crime wave
In Prince George's County, police have investigated 80 murders so far this year. Officers also responded to 211 shootings so far this year, up from 209 last year, according to The Hill.
On Sunday, an 18-month-old girl was shot twice in Glenn Dale after a shooting occurred at the scene. The girl survived, but suffered critical injuries. This fact led to the new measures taken by the county.
