image: http://www.middletownbucks.org/curfew.jpg

Middletown Township has a safe community thanks to the partnership between the citizens and the police department. Together we are able to be more proactive and head off potential problems before they get out of control.

One example of our teamwork is demonstrated in the Curfew Ordinance. Not only is curfew a wonderful tool that parents and the police department have to help children who have not fully developed their own sense of judgment, but it is also a way to set limits to help youths understand and respect the law. Curfew also encourages parents to know where their children are. As the public service announcement stated on TV, “It’s 11:00 and there’s a curfew – do you know where your children are?”

Ordinance 80-23 Section 103 Curfew for Minors

1. It shall be unlawful for any minor to remain, idle, or play in or upon any public place or any establishment or to wander or stroll upon public streets or rights-of-way between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. of the following day, except that on Fridays and Saturdays the hours shall be 12:00 midnight to 6:00 A.M. of the following day.
2. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following minors:
   • Any minor who is accompanied by his parent, guardian, or custodian.
   • Any minor who is on an errand or other legitimate business directed by his parent, guardian, or custodian.
   • Any minor who is engaged in lawful employment during the aforesaid hours.

It is a fact that after 11:00 P.M. on weeknights and 12:00 midnight on the weekend most organized events that children under 18 years of age attend are complete. The danger of running into a drunk driver increases, and certain crimes such as vandalism increase.

Children are our future and every effort must be taken to make Middletown Township a safe place for them. In an effort to make children safe in Middletown Township, the Curfew Ordinance is enforced.