BY SARAH STEPHENS
EAN OWNER/EDITOR
It isn’t a new ordinance, but one that will now be enforced, according to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson.
This curfew is now in place but is just for minors aged 17 or younger, Thompson said.
Thompson said this comes after gatherings of juveniles that go against the most recent health order from Governor Kay Ivey, saying no groups of 10 or more at one time.
So, what does this mean? Thompson said that during the hours of the curfew, there will be no gatherings in public places, and minors are required to be at home. However, this does not mean they can invite all of their friends over. This also includes travel, by foot or bicycle or vehicle.
Violators could face a misdemeanor charge, receive up to a $500 fine and possibly 180 days in municipal jail.
“We are going to enforce this law, and our officers will be patrolling areas within the city. We will be responding to complaints from residents. We have had this on the books for years. We are not seeing anymore problems then we usually do during spring break. We are monitoring and asking them to move on, and they move on. Parents need to step up and help us keep the peace. Keep your kids off the street during curfew. We aren’t being bullies or hardnosed, we are just trying to do what we can to keep the public safe until we can get through this.
“We will leave the door open and work with people. If they don’t listen, we may expand this curfew. We want the public to work with us. It just depends on what we are seeing out there.”
Like so many other departments across our area, Prattville is also dealing with supply issues. For instance, they are very low on hand sanitizer. Right now, Chief said they are good on masks and gloves.
You can follow the most recent updates or information from the Prattville Police Department on their Facebook page. March 27, Chief Thompson released the following information:
“As Chief of the Prattville Police Department I want the citizens of Prattville to know that Chief Brown, Prattville Fire Department and I have been working closely with the Mayor, Baptist Medical, Sheriff’s Office, EMA and 911, as well as other officials to address the difficult times we are experiencing. We would ask everyone to abide by all orders being issued by the Governor’s Office. Working together we will overcome this and be a better community from it. Keep in mind that Public Safety employees are also citizens with families and are suffering the same effects as everyone else. We will continue to be there to serve and protect as always, we just ask for everyone’s help and stay at home unless you have a justified need to be out. As things change daily we will adapt and overcome together. Be aware there is a curfew in Prattville for persons 17 and under from 11:00pm to 5:00am. It is a City Ordinance Sec. 50-3, this is not a new Code but it will be utilized. This will be strictly enforced. Again, we will adapt to the situation as needed. Stay safe and prayers for all.”
