Summer Curfew Information
The City of Evanston, its police department, and school districts 202 and 65 want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Working together, we can increase safety and reduce disorder. Your help is crucial. Make this a safe summer for everyone. Curfew applies to kids under 17. Curfew ordinances are created for the safety of minors as well as to maintain the quality of life throughout neighborhoods.
- Walk in well-lit areas, with a companion or in a group. Offenders prefer that victims be alone.
- Do not disturb others. Avoid loud behavior in residential neighborhoods and in business areas.
- Safeguard your wellbeing and that of your neighbors. Tell someone in authority if you see anything or anybody suspicious.
- Don’t drink. To trade your future for a drink is to pay too high a price.
- Don’t ride your bike on downtown sidewalks.
- Throw your trash where it belongs, in the trash can.
Be responsible downtown
- Do not use profanity.
- Do not block sidewalks.
- Do not loiter in businesses.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - Begins at 10 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. the following day.
Friday and Saturday - Begins at 11 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. the following day.z
Modeled after the ordinance for the City of Chicago, Evanston’s ordinance directs police officers to determine if the curfew status applies by asking juveniles for their ages in addition to the reasons for being out in public places. Officers will issue a citation and make an arrest when they reasonably believe that an offense has occurred.
Conditions when curfew status may not apply to minors include:
- when accompanied by parents or guardians at least 21 years of age;
- engaged in errands at the direction of parents or guardians;
- engaged in occupations or returning home from a job;
- involved in an emergency; when attending official school, religious or recreational activities;
- exercising First Amendment rights, such as religion, speech and the right to assemble.
Additionally, the “Text-a-Tip” program makes it possible for the public to send tips (pictures, video, audio) about criminal activity to the police from any cell phone, via text message. All tips remain anonymous. Text your tip to CRIME or to 274637. For additional information, visit the TEXT-A-TIP website: www.cityofevanston.org/textatip.
by Noor Hasan