LOCK THE KIDS UP AT NIGHT TO KEEP THEM SAFE

Denver SafeNite Program and Curfew Ordinance

From April 4, 2014 through September 28, 2014, Public Safety Youth Programs diversion officers and Denver police officers will team-up to run the Denver SafeNite Program. The program offers court diversion opportunities for youth 17 years of age and younger while police actively enforce Denver’s Curfew Ordinance.

Denver’s Curfew Ordinance prohibits youth from being in a public place or on public property from 11pm - 5am, Sunday through Thursday and 12am - 5am Friday and Saturday unless:

• The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (an adult friend does not qualify as a legal guardian)
• The minor is accompanied by an adult (18 or older) AND that adult is in possession of written permission from the parent or legal guardian
• The minor is in a motor vehicle being used in INTERSTATE travel
• The minor is working, traveling to work, or returning from work WITHOUT any detour stop; or attending an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, civic organizations, religious organizations or another similar entity.

Although the curfew is enforced year-round, youth that break curfew during the active enforcement period of April through September are transported to the Denver Juvenile Services Center at 303 W. Colfax Ave. 1st Floor, Denver, CO 80204. Their parents are then contacted and a citation is issued.

Youth cited for a first time municipal ordinance violation are given the option of participating in a diversion program as an alternative to entering the court system. If the option is accepted by the youth and his/her parent(s), a customized diversion plan is developed based on an individual assessment. Once the plan is successfully completed, the case is dismissed without a court appearance.

The Denver SafeNite Program was implemented in 1994 and is a joint effort between the Denver Police Department and Denver Public Safety Youth Programs.