Phoenix Police to enforce juvenile curfew at First Friday

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department wants to increase safety during the monthly First Friday Art Walk & Market by enforcing a curfew for minors.

Starting with Friday’s event in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix, attendees under the age of 16 who aren’t accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult will be approached by police officers who will tell them they shouldn’t be out alone past 10 p.m., police said.

However, 16- and 17-year-olds can stay at the the free monthly cultural event through midnight.

Why will First Fridays have new curfew for minors?

Phoenix Police officer Rebecca Rodriguez said the curfew for minors is a result of a recent spike in violence during the event, which celebrates creative expression throughout Phoenix.

“In the last few months, we’ve seen an uptick in violence,” Rodriguez said. “Our goal is to, hopefully, educate people, advise that we are going to be doing curfew enforcement, and keep the First Friday event safe.”

Officers will be present throughout the evening to ensure teenagers are aware of the curfew rules.

However, authorities urged parents and guardians to alert the minors in their care about the curfew ahead of the event.

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