FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno police are increasing patrols and enforcing a citywide curfew for minors as part of an effort to reduce late-night crime and improve safety during the summer months.
Starting Thursday, the curfew applies to anyone under 18 who is out without an adult between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Police say the initiative is aimed at preventing crime and protecting young people.
“Their primary focus is going to be proactive,” said Deputy Chief Rob Beckwith with the Fresno Police Department.
Officers will concentrate patrols in areas with higher activity, including public gathering spaces, shopping malls and entertainment areas.
“We don’t want to see them put in positions where they can become victims of crime,” Beckwith said.
The increased enforcement comes after recent incidents involving teenagers. On Tuesday afternoon, a teenage bystander was injured during a shooting in central Fresno after police say individuals from two separate groups began firing at each other.
Less than 24 hours later, a 17-year-old was stabbed in the arm early Wednesday morning near Olive and First avenues.
But there are community organizations that provide safe spaces and activities for youth during the day.
“We know that if a child is in our club, three times a week, two hours at a time, that equates to a 92% graduation rate,” said Jason Hannold, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County.
During the summer, the organization expects a significant increase in attendance.
“We’ll have about 1,000 kids coming in and out of our clubs,” Hannold said.
Hannold said more than 95% of the youth served come from low-income backgrounds. The club offers a range of programs, including academic and athletic programs, and works with youth in the juvenile justice system.
“We’re working directly inside the juvenile justice program and the campus with Boys & Girls Club programs to provide those programs in there for gang prevention, alcohol and substance abuse programs,” -Jason Hannold, President & CEO Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County
Membership for the Boys & Girls Club is $10 a month, though the organization says it can work with families on pricing. Fresno police said curfew enforcement will not be conducted as a sweeping operation and that officers will handle situations on a case-by-case basis.
