The Dolton Village Board voted on Monday to establish a new curfew of 9 p.m. This decision followed reports of five large youth gatherings, known as teen takeovers, occurring during the summer. Police Chief Jeffrey Chapman stated that officers have been trying to gather more information about the teens involved by questioning those arrested for breaking previous curfew hours or committing crimes.
No major incidents were directly linked to these gatherings, but shots were fired near officers during one event. An assault rifle was also recovered from a teenager at another gathering. “There is no one effective strategy to handle these teen takeovers,” Chapman noted. The police have encountered between 300 to 600 youths during these events, he added.
The previous curfew allowed minors to be unsupervised until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The new curfew requires adult supervision for anyone under 18 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. Violations now carry fines ranging from $250 to $2,500.
Mayor Jason House praised Chapman and the police for maintaining order during teen takeovers. He expressed that the curfew adjustment and the added penalties would help the police manage these situations effectively. The measure passed with a unanimous 7-0 vote by the Village Board.
In contrast, nearby areas have been exploring various responses to teen takeovers. Some, like Blue Island, have passed rules holding parents responsible for city property damages caused by their children. Chicago is experimenting with job programs, social media regulation, and city-sponsored events to provide opportunities for youth.
Chapman disclosed that out of eight planned teen takeovers in Dolton this year, five took place. In some instances, police and park officials issued warnings about the risks and possible consequences to deter participation.
Hazel Crest police handled a teen gathering differently, portraying officers as facilitators for a safe event rather than authority figures. The news release praised the youth for a peaceful gathering. However, Chapman noted that most teens involved in Dolton’s gatherings are not village residents, suggesting local youths have other activities to engage in.