Central Falls repeals youth curfew

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island city has repealed its youth curfew, which civil liberties advocates said disproportionately affected children of color.

The Central Falls City Council voted unanimously to repeal the youth curfew on Monday.

The curfew was implemented in 2008, making it unlawful for people under 18 to be in a public place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Parents faced fines if they allowed their kids to violate the curfew.

City Council President Maria Rivera says the curfew hasn’t really changed anything in the city.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island praised the decision to repeal the curfew, saying it didn’t reduce crime.

Central Falls Police Chief Col. James Mendonca says community engagement, not the curfew, has led to positive outcomes.

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