Halloween Curfew Begins Sunday

Brick Police will begin enforcing an early curfew on Sunday, according to Capt. John Rein. Traditionally, municipalities and police departments work to enforce a curfew around Halloween to cut down on vandalism associated with the holiday and "mischief night" which precedes it.

Rein said in an e-mail that juveniles under 17 years of age will be prohibited from being on any public street or any public place between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Normally, Brick has a 10 p.m. curfew.

There are some exceptions to the law, Rein said. They include:

• When the juvenile is accompanied by a parent or guardian or other adult having the care and custody of the juvenile.
• Where the juvenile is upon a medical emergency, errand or legitimate business directed by the juvenile's parent or guardian.
• When work time of the juvenile who is gainfully employed overlaps the curfew hours.
• When the juvenile is in attendance at a function sponsored by a religious or educational organization.
• When the juvenile is an attendant as a bona fide student at an evening school of instruction.
• When the juvenile is in attendance at a civic, cultural, recreational or social function.
• When the juvenile is exercising first amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech and the right of assembly.

Juveniles can also travel in a car in town when they are out in connection with any of the exceptions.

The penalty for violating the curfew is community service of up to 240 hours and a potential fine up to $1,000. If both the juvenile and the juvenile's parent or guardian violate the curfew, they shall be required to perform community service together.

Rein said the police department is planning to increase patrols on mischief night and Halloween.