Dolton Village Sets 9 p.m. Curfew to Curb Teen Gatherings

Members of the Dolton Village Board decided on Monday to enforce a 9 p.m. curfew. This decision follows reports from the police about five significant youth gatherings, frequently called teen takeovers, that occurred in the village during the summer. Police Chief Jeffrey Chapman shared that officers have tried to gather information about the teenagers through interrogating those arrested for violating the previous curfew or other offenses.

Although no major incidents directly linked to teen gatherings have been reported, Chief Chapman noted that shots were fired near officers at one event, and an assault rifle was confiscated from a youth at another. He stated, “There is no effective one strategy to handle these teen takeovers.” He further mentioned that police have observed gatherings with 300 to 600 youths. “Playing cat and mouse with these kids up and down Sibley Boulevard and through neighborhoods becomes a challenge for officers,” he added.

The previous curfew in Dolton was from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends. The revised curfew starting Monday prohibits those under 18 from being unsupervised from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, including weekends. Violating this curfew now incurs fines ranging from $250 to $2,500.

Mayor Jason House expressed gratitude towards Chapman and other officers for managing teen takeovers. He believes the updated curfew and fines will provide law enforcement “another mechanism during teen takeovers and help to weed out undesirable individuals from the community.” House also said enforcement will depend on the chief’s discretion, offering police the means to aid officers in challenging situations. The Village Board approved the measure unanimously, 7-0.

Discussions about youth takeovers continue across the Chicago area, with varying community responses. Last summer, towns like Flossmoor, Posen, and Orland Park explored protocols for managing large gatherings. Recently, the Blue Island City Council passed an ordinance holding parents accountable for the costs of repairing city property damaged during takeovers, including police and public works expenses.

In Chicago, city leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, are exploring solutions like job programs, social media regulation, city events, snap curfews, and parental liability laws. Mayor Johnson aims to offer year-round opportunities for local youth, such as summer jobs and free YMCA memberships for kids aged 12 to 18.

Chief Chapman mentioned that Dolton police were aware of plans for eight teen takeovers this year, five of which occurred. Police and Dolton Park District officials sometimes sent warnings about the risks and consequences of participating before events.

Hazel Crest police adopted a different approach, focusing on enabling a safe and enjoyable environment during a large graduation celebration on June 1, in contrast to presenting a forceful presence. They lauded youths for their peaceful gathering in a press release.

Chief Chapman stated Dolton police found that many teens at gatherings were local to the village. However, only two of the youths cited or arrested were from Dolton. He remarked that it shows that local teens have other interests beside takeovers. “Of those encountered, only two were Dolton residents,” he noted, emphasizing that local kids are less involved in such activities.