Council member supports new youth curfew amid calls from advocates for caution

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is proposing a citywide curfew for youth ages 17 and under following recent teen takeovers in areas such as Romare Bearden Park.

The proposed measure would replace Charlotte’s existing youth curfew with a uniform 9 p.m. rule across the city.

Police officials said the policy would give officers additional tools to manage large gatherings, while community advocates argue the plan requires further vetting and raises concerns regarding police discretion and juvenile records.

City Council Member Malcolm Graham expressed support for the proposal, stating that police require adequate authority to handle group disruptions.

“I support the curfew,” Graham said. He added that he trusts law enforcement leadership to execute the policy appropriately.

“I think our police officers under the direction of Chief Patterson will use the tool wisely. I think the tool will be used with discretion,” Graham said. “Certainly our community needs assertive policing, not aggressive policing; our ordinance has to have teeth.”

Action NC, a local community advocacy organization, is asking city leaders to pause the proposal to allow for public feedback.

Robert Dawkins, a representative with Action NC, noted that youth gathering in public spaces is a long-standing behavior.

“This has been going on ever since we were kids, even before then, our parents’ generation it was the drive-in and cruising,” Dawkins said.

He cautioned that expanding police stop authority could lead young residents into the justice system.

“Trapping good kids and giving them even if it’s just a juvenile record, that’s the first step to a real record, so let’s just think this out,” Dawkins said.

Community members and advocates have also raised questions regarding officer discretion and whether enforcement will be applied consistently across different areas.

Dawkins questioned how police leadership plans to ensure equitable oversight across neighborhoods.

“Making it fair meaning, I want to know how you’re gonna make sure enforcement is the same in Southpark as it is off Beatties Ford,” Dawkins said.

Two City Council members have indicated they currently do not support the police chief’s proposal.

The Charlotte City Council is expected to vote on the proposed curfew ordinance in approximately two weeks.

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