YPD begins curfew sweep tonight

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Police will have the answer — if parents don’t — to the question “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” posed in Mayor Charles Sammarone’s campaign.

At a press gathering at 10 p.m. Wednesday in the police department’s roll call room, Cap. Jason Simon, officer in charge of the curfew sweep, distributed assignments to a dozen Youngstown police officers, juvenile court probation officers and members of Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force. They went out in force, targeting some “hot spots” on the South Side where youths gather in violation of the city curfew.

If found between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., they will be taken home to their parents.

Curfew is for those 17 and younger. Juveniles found out and about on city streets, without a parent or guardian, will also be given a citation. Guy Burney, coordinator of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, said that involves a monetary fee, and there are ways to work it off.

Burney and DeMaine Kitchen, Sammarone’s chief of staff, accompanied police to observe and talk to parents.

Curfew sweep personnel planned to visit the homes of 13 “at risk” boys who have histories of juvenile criminal activity to check on their whereabouts. The boys met with police and probation officers during a “call-in” session Wednesday morning at Mahoning County School.