In recent years, the City of Chester has seen a rise in juvenile-related criminal activity, involving young people as both victims and offenders. Due to their limited life experience and emotional development, youth are especially vulnerable to peer pressure, group influence, and becoming targets of older offenders. The younger the child, the greater the risk of being involved in or exposed to crime.

While parents and guardians are primarily responsible for the care and supervision of their children, the City of Chester also shares in the responsibility of ensuring their safety and promoting community well-being. Preventing juvenile crime, encouraging parental involvement, and protecting the public are priorities we all have a stake in.

To support these efforts, the Chester Police Department will be actively enforcing the city-wide curfew outlined in City Ordinance 721.02. From June 1st through August 31st, all minors must be off the streets between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or traveling to or from work, activities, or for interstate travel. Please note that curfew hours differ during the school year (September 1st to May 31st).

We ask parents and guardians to remain engaged, monitor their children's whereabouts, and ensure they are observing curfew hours. It is against the law for parents to knowingly allow their children to violate curfew.

Additionally, business owners are reminded that allowing unaccompanied minors not in their employ to remain in their establishment during curfew hours may result in fines.

We appreciate the community’s continued partnership in keeping Chester a safe place for our youth and families.

Katrina Blackwell
Interim Commissioner