Photo: Richard T. Nowitz / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams announced that the city council is considering expanding the current curfew during her State of the City address on Thursday (October 16). The proposal aims to make the 11 p.m. curfew earlier, permanent, and year-round. This measure was initially implemented over the summer to address several criminal incidents involving juveniles in the downtown area.
Mayor Williams highlighted the curfew's success, stating that it has led to "safer streets and grateful merchants." According to Local21 News, Williams emphasized the importance of reducing youth violence as one of her top priorities if re-elected. The curfew enforcement includes issuing citations to parents of juveniles found on the streets after the designated time.
Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, along with downtown business owners, supported the curfew, citing the disruptions caused by unsupervised juveniles. Since the curfew's implementation, police have cited 17 juveniles, seized nine firearms, and made 31 arrests, including 13 for drug-related offenses, according to Local21 News.
The curfew's expansion proposal comes as Mayor Williams faces City Treasurer Dan Miller in the upcoming November 4 general election.