Dolton Implements New Curfew in Response to Teen Gatherings

The Dolton Village Board has implemented a new curfew starting at 9 p.m. This decision followed reports of five large youth gatherings in the area during the summer. Called teen takeovers, these events have raised concerns for local authorities. Police Chief Jeffrey Chapman noted efforts to understand these gatherings better by questioning arrested individuals, despite not linking major incidents directly to them. However, Chapman mentioned an incident where shots were fired near officers and an assault rifle was recovered from a teenager.

Chapman described the scale of these gatherings, involving between 300 and 600 youths. Officers face challenges in managing these events along Sibley Boulevard and nearby residential areas. To address these concerns, the new curfew applies to all minors under 18, preventing unaccompanied presence from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., every day. Fines for violations range from $250 to $2,500.

Mayor Jason House expressed appreciation for the police’s efforts to maintain order. He believes the updated curfew and fines will help address the teen takeover occurrences and remove unwanted elements from the community. The level of enforcement will be at the chief’s discretion, providing officers with an official means to manage the gatherings more effectively.

The curfew measure was approved unanimously by the Village Board. Regional officials hold differing views on responses to these teen events. Last summer, surrounding areas like Flossmoor, Posen, and Orland Park devised strategies to manage large gatherings. Blue Island introduced an ordinance penalizing parents for damages caused by these events, while Chicago city leaders explore ideas like job programs and parental responsibility ordinances.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed initiatives such as job opportunities and free YMCA memberships for youths aged 12 to 18. Chief Chapman reported that of eight planned teen takeovers in Dolton, five have occurred. Prior to events, police and park officials have issued warnings about potential risks and outcomes to participants.

In Hazel Crest, a different strategy was implemented during a large graduation celebration. Officers played a supportive role to ensure safety instead of enforcing authority. A news release highlighted this approach, commending teenagers for organizing peaceful and safe gatherings.

Chapman indicated that many teens involved in Dolton gatherings were local. Although these events strain police resources, officers consistently perform their duties professionally. Of those cited or detained, only two teens were residents of Dolton. Chapman acknowledged that local youth seem to have alternative activities beyond participating in takeovers.