Montgomery City Council Enacts Youth Curfew in Downtown Entertainment District

Strategic Insights -

The Montgomery City Council, under the urging of Councilmember Marche Johnson, enacted a 17-and-under juvenile curfew for the Downtown Entertainment District in a bid to curb a series of incidents, including shootings and homicides. Councilmember Johnson, who represents District 3, which includes the entertainment district, had suggested a curfew ordinance last year but saw it fail to pass. The new curfew restricts youth activity between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Montgomery City Council enacted a 17-and-under juvenile curfew for the Downtown Entertainment District in response to a surge in incidents, including two separate shooting incidents over the weekend.
  • Councilmember Marche Johnson, representing District 3, suggested the curfew after a series of incidents, including a shooting that left 13-year-old Diamond Moore dead.
  • The new curfew restricts youth activity between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Montgomery Police Department (MPD) Police Chief James Grayboys announced a series of measures to combat crime, including increased police presence, modified patrol hours, and the use of technology, such as license plate readers and facial recognition software.
  • MPD also instituted an exhibition driving detail and targeted traffic enforcement details with zero tolerance, including checkpoints.
  • The councilmember suggested reintroducing the curfew ordinance, which was unsuccessful last year, but was enacted on July 15, 2023.

Statistics:

  • The new curfew restricts youth activity between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • 13-year-old Diamond Moore was shot and killed in the 5000 block of Greensboro Court near Mobile Highway on Friday, July 7, 2023.
  • Montgomery Police Chief James Grayboys stated that the homicide of the 13-year-old child is the most egregious crime that weighs on him and the community.
  • MPD is using technology, such as license plate readers and facial recognition software, to increase the ability to apprehend suspects.

Sources:

  • ["Mayor, council members discuss violence in the streets."](https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2023/07/15/montgomery-policing-strategy-under-scrutiny-fighting-guns-violence/71243482007/)
  • [Author unknown. "Youth curfew approved in Montgomery's downtown entertainment district."](https://www.al.com/news/montgomery/2023/07/youth-curfew-approved-in-montgomerys-downtown-entertainment-district.html)
  • [Author unknown. "Montgomery Police Department to implement new traffic enforcement details."](https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2023/07/10/montgomery-police-department-traffic-enforcement-details/71212237007/)