Summer break has begun in the District, and city officials are taking action to address a series of disruptive teen gatherings that have escalated into violence.
DC Police have been closely monitoring these large meetups, which are reportedly organized and promoted via social media platforms.
Residents have documented troubling events, including teenagers disrupting businesses and apartment complexes, as well as engaging in violent acts like kicking people on the ground.
Police have also reported incidents of robbery and assault related to these gatherings.
DC’s Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Thennie Freeman, acknowledges the challenges posed by such gatherings but emphasizes that they do not represent the majority of the youth population.
Freeman stated, “We hear the noise, but that’s a little bit of youth, but not the majority.” The DPR is focused on providing summer programs to engage young people in positive activities.
Despite tight budget constraints, Freeman assures that programs for young people will continue. “Our camps are open, our centers are open, and we are here to serve,” she said.
In an effort to curb negative behavior and provide alternatives to the meetups, DPR has initiated Late Night Hype events.
These carnival-style gatherings feature music, food, video games, and talent shows and have proven popular among the youth.
In May, DPR organized Late Night Hypes as a response to a juvenile curfew imposed by The Wharf in Southwest, D.C., during Memorial Day weekend.
That weekend, police made six arrests of individuals under 17 and issued 13 curfew citations, primarily along the U Street corridor.
Freeman noted that these events will continue throughout the summer, with the next one scheduled for Friday at the Kennedy Recreation Center from 7 to 11 p.m.
“They can get haircuts, play games, have dance contests, and win prizes,” she explained.
With an average attendance of 1,500 kids, Freeman expressed optimism about the impact of these events on the youth.
“Our young people are showing up. They’re having a good time. They’re fun and most importantly, they’re safe,” she said.
In parallel, Mayor Muriel Bowser is pushing the D.C. Council to consider changes to the existing juvenile curfew, aiming to implement an earlier and stricter policy for the summer months.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, would establish an 11 p.m. curfew every day in June, July, and August, applicable to 17-year-olds as well.
Additionally, it would empower the mayor to implement emergency juvenile curfews and allow the D.C. Police chief to designate extended juvenile curfew zones.
These extended zones would be similar to drug-free zones and could initiate curfews starting as early as 8 p.m.
Currently, the juvenile curfew in the District applies only to those under 17, in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Pinto emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “So that large groups of juveniles couldn’t be in an area, I think it is important that this is a group.”
She highlighted the need for augmented programming alongside these curfew changes.
Targeted neighborhoods for the special curfew zones include the U Street Corridor, The Wharf, and Navy Yard, which are viewed as having become hot spots for disruptive activity.
As summer progresses, the D.C. government’s focus remains on balancing the safety and well-being of its youth while providing them with constructive opportunities.
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