IMPD announces downtown safe space for juveniles out past curfew

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Wednesday launched a new initiative to enforce Indiana’s curfew law for minors by offering a safe space for juveniles found out past curfew in downtown Indianapolis.

These safe spaces will also provide mentorship opportunities to juveniles and offer mental health support, education assistance, and job readiness programs.

“This isn’t about punishment, it’s about protection,” IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said. “We’re working with our partners from across the community to do everything we can to keep young people safe and prevent further tragedy.”

The exact location of the safe place has not been announced.

Below are the times juveniles are prohibited from being in the public.

• Children ages 15 to 17
  • Saturday or Sunday: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Sunday through Thursday: After 11 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday: Before 5 a.m.
• Children under 15
  • Every day: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Exceptions
  • Kids accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult
  • Traveling to or from work, school events, religious services, or other “lawful gatherings.”

How it works

IMPD says they will issue warnings to large groups of kids before enforcing curfew. This includes announcements being made by police car PA systems at 30 minutes before, 15 minutes before, and once curfew is in effect.

If kids are found out past curfew, they’ll be escorted to one of the designated safe spaces. Parents, family members, or guardians will be contacted to pick up their child.

If they cannot get in contact with someone, the juvenile may be taken to the Juvenile Detention center for a curfew violation.

IMPD stresses that this is not an arrest, but a status offense. It will not appear on a child’s permanent record.

Andrew Merkley, director of the Office of Public Health and Safety, adds that the safe spaces are not just a response to Indiana’s curfew law but a doorway to opportunity for young people in the city.

“We’ll be able to connect them and their families with the resources they need to thrive, not just in the moment, but long-term,” he said.

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