PORT ALLEN — With the summer months approaching and juvenile crime on the rise, the Port Allen Police Department is reinforcing its juvenile curfew ordinance with a renewed zero-tolerance policy, Acting Assistant Chief Smith announced.
Though the curfew ordinance itself is not new, Smith said the department is stepping up enforcement efforts to proactively curb property and violent crimes often seen during the warmer months.
“It’s not a new ordinance. It’s been around for a while,” Smith said. “We just want to reinforce and hone in on it, especially during the summer months when crime usually spikes.”
Effective May 29, 2025, the department began actively enforcing curfew violations under Ordinance Sec. 54-62, which mandates that minors under the age of 17 must be indoors between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between midnight and 6:00 a.m. on weekends. Exceptions include being accompanied by a parent or guardian, or participating in legitimate activities such as work, school functions, or emergencies.
Under the zero-tolerance policy:
- Juveniles found in violation will be escorted home or to a designated holding area
- Parents or guardians will be contacted
- A citation will be issued, with a mandatory Juvenile Court appearance
Smith emphasized that the intent of the policy is not punitive, but protective.
“It’s not meant to be in a threatening manner,” Smith explained. “But just know, if one is caught outside, they will be ticketed. It’s a misdemeanor and they will get a court date. And also, if we find that the parent is not exercising proper judgment, they may face consequences as well.”
The ordinance also gives authority to cite parents under Sec. 54-65 for improper supervision if they are found to have failed in providing reasonable oversight of their child.
To further enforce the curfew, Smith said the department will be conducting additional patrols multiple times a month in addition to the routine coverage provided by uniformed officers.
“There will be some nights where we will have extra officers on duty,” Smith added. “During those after-hours — those late night, early morning hours — a portion of their duty will be making sure our minors under the age of 17 are not out and about, roaming or getting involved in any kind of delinquent or criminal activity.”
The Port Allen Police Department encourages parents to have conversations with their children about the curfew and help foster a safer community for all.
“This policy is not intended to punish,” the department stated in a press release. “It is designed to protect our young residents from potential dangers and support a community culture of responsibility, safety, and mutual respect.”
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