Police On Alert During Spring Break

The Long Beach Police Department has sent out a gentle warning to any Spring Break revelers – they will be watching. Closely.

The Long Beach Unified School District schools are off this week and the police department reminds parents and youth alike that curfew will be strictly enforced this week. Schools will be closed during the week of April 25th - 29th, with students returning to class on Monday, May 2nd. 

The Long Beach Police Department reminds parents that Section 9.58.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code states: "It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years to remain in or upon any 'public place' as defined in Section 9.02.090, between the hours of 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day."

The Long Beach Police Department takes curfew violations seriously, LBPD Sgt. Rico Fernandez said in a news release. “Our experience has shown us that children/youth who are on the street after curfew are more likely to become victims of violent crime, and also are more likely to become involved in criminal behavior.” 

Fernandez said parents should know the whereabouts of their children at all times and ensure they get home safely before curfew.  The Long Beach Police Department will strictly enforce the curfew statutes through the spring break week, and staffing has been adjusted to accommodate enforcement action.  

Additionally, in January 2011, the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office announced its Parent Accountability and Chronic Truancy (PACT) Program, a collaborative effort with the L.B.P.D and the Long Beach Unified School District.  Under this new program, parents and legal guardians can be criminally prosecuted for "contributing to the delinquency of a minor" if they fail to supervise their children, and the children disobey the law or any lawful order of the juvenile court, Fernandez said. Parents can also be prosecuted if their children fail to regularly attend school and are deemed "chronic truants."  The City Prosecutor will be strictly enforcing his new PACT program during next week's Spring Break.

“These laws are in place to protect children/youth, and the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office will enforce and prosecute these laws with your child’s safety in mind,” Fernandez said. “By working together, we can help provide your family a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.”