LITTLE ROCK – Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. announced plans today to implement a citywide weekend curfew for youth under age 18 for the remainder of the summer. Under the plan, the curfew would be 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 31.

Mayor Scott’s curfew proposal follows reports of illegal activity by groups of young people over the past two weekends.

An existing 9 p.m. curfew that applies to city parks and to all entertainment districts, such as the River Market and SoMa, will be strictly enforced by the Little Rock Police Department. The citywide weeknight curfew of 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays remains in effect.

Parents or guardians whose children violate the curfew would be subject to citations, if necessary.

“Disruptive and illegal actions by groups of young people have negatively impacted businesses and individuals trying to enjoy their weekends,” Mayor Scott said. “This isn’t just a crime issue, it’s also a quality-of-life issue, and we must take additional steps to keep our residents and guests safe.”

Mayor Scott will call on the Little Rock Board of Directors to approve an ordinance extending the current weekday curfew to weekends. The curfew would be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night for anyone under 18, unless they are accompanied by their parents or guardians, have a work permit or are leaving a city-sponsored activity or event.

A 9 p.m. curfew is already in place for entertainment districts and city parks. Mayor Scott said LRPD will step up enforcement of the 9 p.m. curfew and issue citations to parents as warranted for the remainder of the summer.

Meanwhile, LRPD will increase its presence in all the City’s entertainment districts on weekend evenings.

“As the capital city, we have many organizations, churches and businesses who focus on providing opportunities and entertainment for our children and youth,” Mayor Scott said. “At City Hall, our teams consistently are finding new ways to engage our young people to keep them off the streets and away from trouble. Ultimately, though, parents have the responsibility to make sure their children are acting appropriately and following the law. We are calling on parents to help us make sure our kids stay safe this summer.”

Mayor Scott noted that Little Rock’s crime rate has dropped significantly over the past three years because of a holistic violence reduction strategy focused on prevention, intervention and treatment.

The Mayor’s successful strategy includes youth programming like Midnight Basketball, summer day camps, internships for youth and adults and more by City departments and by community partners. Street-based interventionists with the Department of Community Programs will work additional hours during weekends over the summer in areas where youth typically congregate.
To learn more about family-friendly activities happening this summer across Little Rock, visit https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/mayors-office/initiatives/back-to-the-basics-summer-edition/