Eagle Point, Ore. — Eagle Point minors found wandering the streets past 10 at night can now potentially face a $250 dollar fine.
Eagle Point curfew will now start an hour earlier from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The new curfew was suggested by Chief of Police Vern Thompson and Eagle Point City Council approved it Tuesday night.
Eagle Point Mayor Bob Russell says curfew previously started at 11 and there was no fine.
He says the new curfew will give police an opportunity to talk with kids under 18.
“It just gives our police officers the discretion to either ask them to leave because it’s past curfew, fine them, or just give them a warning,” Mayor Russell said.
Chief Vern Thompson says officers will use their best judgment.
Also, judges don’t always cite unless the minor is a repeated offender.
According to Mayor Russell, parental cooperation with the current curfew ordinance has been difficult.
The hope is that the new curfew and fine will help stop any negative activity in the downtown area.
The new curfew goes into effect Wednesday night.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.