Paterson NJ to create/enforce regular 'curfew' for adults and children alike.

[Shortline Bus]

To combat the ongoing problems of violent crime, Paterson NJ is considering creating America's first permament citywide, nonemergency curfew

 

New Jersey officials weigh ordinance that would create curfew for adults

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

 

Thursday, August 20th 2009,

 

Curfews might not be just for kids anymore in one northern New Jersey city.

 

Seeking to curb violence after a spate of deadly summer shootings, Paterson officials are weighing an ordinance to prevent people of all ages from gathering outside in public late at night.

 

The measure could be the nation's first citywide, nonemergency curfew to include adults, several experts said.

 

"We're trying to think outside the box," said Mayor José Torres. "This was triggered predominantly by fear among city residents over the shootings that have been occurring this summer."

 

A 29-year-old Paterson man was gunned down in his car last week in the latest incident in a tit-for-tat battle between rival groups, according to police who declined to describe them as gangs.

 

The battle has generated community fear, even though overall shootings and violence remain low by historical standards.

 

Paterson, New Jersey's third-largest city at 147,000 people, has had six homicides and 30 shootings this year, according to city data. That compares with 13 homicides and 37 shootings for the same period of last year.

 

The curfew would run two months, barring loitering outside from midnight to 7 a.m. Proof of working or going to an urgent matter such as going to a hosptials would be the only exceptions. Violators would face up to a $2,000 fine and 90 days in jail. It would not apply to people in transit or driving in their cars.

 

The measure is now slated for consideration by the City Council on Sept. 1. If approved, a second vote and a public hearing would still be needed.

 

 

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/08/20/2009-08-20_new_jersey_officials_.html#ixzz0OiPtBKIe

 

c)2009 NY Daily News, Inc.

 

Any reactions/comments? Should anyone be barred overnights for their safety?

[metsfan]

Bad economic times make for bad social times. How about social programs vs a curfew?

 

It all boils down to the mindset of the american people. Taxes are evil, individual freedoms trump everything, unfortunately taxes are not just money taken away from you, it makes the roads drivable, and the water clean, and the schools be existing at all even if they need improvement, and being drunk on individual freedom is more important than everyone's freedoms equaling out.

 

People can't be trusted to make every decision correctly, why not help (not force) people in the right direction through education on social issues, so the next time you feel that robbing a store is a good idea, or shooting someone that looks at your wrong is a pretty decent idea, you'll think twice.

 

It's a cycle, and everyone that comments after me knows it even if you don't want to admit it. It needs to change, and no curfew is going to do it.

 

- A

[Pu3rToRoCk8947]

Bad economic times make for bad social times. How about social programs vs a curfew?

 

It all boils down to the mindset of the american people. Taxes are evil, individual freedoms trump everything, unfortunately taxes are not just money taken away from you, it makes the roads drivable, and the water clean, and the schools be existing at all even if they need improvement, and being drunk on individual freedom is more important than everyone's freedoms equaling out.

 

People can't be trusted to make every decision correctly, why not help (not force) people in the right direction through education on social issues, so the next time you feel that robbing a store is a good idea, or shooting someone that looks at your wrong is a pretty decent idea, you'll think twice.

 

It's a cycle, and everyone that comments after me knows it even if you don't want to admit it. It needs to change, and no curfew is going to do it.

 

- A

I agree 100%,well said :tup:

[Shortline Bus]

Bad economic times make for bad social times. How about social programs vs a curfew?

 

It all boils down to the mindset of the american people. Taxes are evil, individual freedoms trump everything, unfortunately taxes are not just money taken away from you, it makes the roads drivable, and the water clean, and the schools be existing at all even if they need improvement, and being drunk on individual freedom is more important than everyone's freedoms equaling out.

 

People can't be trusted to make every decision correctly, why not help (not force) people in the right direction through education on social issues, so the next time you feel that robbing a store is a good idea, or shooting someone that looks at your wrong is a pretty decent idea, you'll think twice.

 

It's a cycle, and everyone that comments after me knows it even if you don't want to admit it. It needs to change, and no curfew is going to do it.

 

- A

 

 

My take on this. In most cases i really dislike the ACLU. However on this issue they are right.

 

This is America and unless you suspected for a crime, you should be allowed to go out whether its 3am or 3pm. The adult if they are involved as a 'victim' of a crime especially in towns with high crime at night should know the risks.

Just like trying to go out to a party during a blizzard or hurricane.

 

With that said, in certain situations only for 'safety' for our kids under i can support a curfew for young people under age 18 at least on a school night since many teens have parents who are never home.

 

Just my takes.

[Messino]

Notice how the article and news agencies report it as being CONSIDERED as to get a reaction from the public.

 

It will never happen unless there is a state of emergency declared. The last thing we need is to start turning places into police states causing uprisings and eventually declaring martial law. This is not some uncivilized third world country. This is the U.S.A.. If Paterson N.J. has that much of a problem with crime the county officials are going to have to do what they were voted and get paid to do. Fix the problem and the reason why it got that way in the first place. Curfews are not a solution, its just a temporary cover up for a symptom.

[DOB2RTO]

Much as I would love to comment the way I would like to, I will just shut up on this one.........