“Safe Summer Initiative”
The following video was created by Washington Technology Secondary School students for the Curfew Initiative.
Written by Joel Franklin
After a successful pilot initiative last year, the Saint Paul Police Department and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office will be launching a 6 month curfew initiative again this year. The “Safe Summer Initiative” will focus on Saint Paul’s East Side area bounded by Interstate 35E, Maryland Avenue, Earl Street and Minnehaha Avenue as well as Saint Paul’s Promise Neighborhood, which is a 250-square block area in the heart of St. Paul’s historic Frogtown and Summit-University neighborhoods. The Initiative will address the quality of life and public safety concerns of the residents.
In a community survey last year, 70% of the East Side residents stated that they did not feel safe at night. One of the main concerns from residents was large numbers of juveniles congregating on the streets late at night. Residents reported that the juveniles were “being loud, disorderly, throwing rocks and bricks at homes, and stealing bicycles.” A survey conducted at the end of the summer indicated there were no reports of large numbers of youth hanging out late at night and that residents felt safer.
St. Paul Youth Services’ Pre-Court Diversion Program will work again this year with youth who have been identified for curfew violations. Staff will assess the youth’s individual and family needs and connect them with resources to keep the young person from entering the criminal justice system or becoming a victim of crime. Staff will also assign youth involved in the initiative to perform community service activities such as cleaning up litter, cutting lawns, and raking leaves in the community where the offense occurred as part of the consequences for their actions. In addition, SPYS has partnered with Willie Green who is the founder of “Green Cultural Communities” an African American cultural, youth and community outreach healing and development organization. He will conduct Inside Moves Basketball and Black Movie Nights with the youth.
By working together, we believe that we can address the public safety and livability issues while providing support and alternatives to youth in the community. To learn more information about the Diversion Program click here.
*Ramsey County Curfew ordinance requires juvenile age 15 and younger to be home by 10pm every night of the week, and those age 16-17 have until midnight to be home. To find out more information about the curfew law click here.
