The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported a series of violations during the first night of a newly implemented juvenile curfew, which is in effect nightly from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. until November 5, 2025. This curfew applies to individuals under 18 years of age and aims to enhance public safety in designated areas across the District of Columbia.
Under the direction of Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith, the MPD designated four Special Juvenile Curfew Zones: Navy Yard, the U Street Corridor, the area around Union Station, and the Banneker Recreation Center. Signs indicating the curfew were installed at the perimeters of these zones to inform the public. Officers engaged with local youths to ensure awareness of the new regulations, which commenced at 11 p.m..
On the first night of enforcement, several incidents were recorded. At approximately 10:40 p.m., officers from the Third District encountered a group of 14 teenagers at 14th and U Street, Northwest, leading to curfew violations for all present. Later, at around 12:24 a.m., officers from the First District stopped two juveniles at the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, Southeast, also for violating the curfew. A subsequent encounter at 2:51 a.m. involved two additional juveniles at 9th and U Street, Northwest.
The Special Juvenile Curfew Zones will be in effect again tonight, operating from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., while the citywide juvenile curfew remains active from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.. According to Mayor’s Order 2025-115, the curfew prohibits individuals under 18 from being in public spaces unless they are engaged in specific exempted activities.
The enforcement of this curfew reflects a broader effort by city officials to address youth-related incidents and concerns regarding public safety. As the program continues, the MPD aims to monitor its effectiveness and community response. The department encourages families to discuss the importance of the curfew with their children to foster understanding and compliance.
As the curfew progresses, further updates on its impact and any adjustments to enforcement strategies are expected from the MPD.
