Curfew Law Passes; Parents May Face $2,500 Fine

Saying that a stricter curfew law will prevent vandalism and limit graffiti, the City Council late Tuesday approved an ordinance that could fine parents up to $2,500 each time their children ditch school or sneak out at night.

Thousand Oaks Police Chief Kathy Kemp told the council that although the city has a truancy rate lower than 0.2%, police officers need a stronger curfew ordinance to ensure that both minors and parents obey the law.

Kemp told the council that the Police Department is responding to more and more cases of vandalism and graffiti committed by juvenile offenders.

“Those all occur after 10 o’clock at night,” she said. “It is after those hours that things that shouldn’t be occurring begin occurring.”

The new law, which will probably go into effect in December, allows the police chief to charge parents the cost of sending officers out to respond to children who break curfew laws. It is the first such law in Ventura County.

Several residents opposed the ordinance, questioning whether it would be enforced fairly.

“This ordinance will give police officers an open door to harass the kids,” said Diane Louis, a Thousand Oaks mother of two.

“Kids are already being hassled and are losing respect for police,” said Louis, who told the council that her child was recently interrogated by police for two hours without cause. “What kind of impression is a police officer giving? Negative.”

Louis also complained that the city offers few recreational opportunities for its young people, noting that the only bowling alley and skating rink in Thousand Oaks have both closed.

Resident Chris Buckett agreed with Louis. Calling the proposal “parent punishment,” Buckett said that a fine as high as $2,500 was excessive.

“We are, as parents, responsible for the actions of our kids,” Councilman Mike Markey said.