NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The Newark mayor's office said its Juvenile Safety Initiative curfew set to start tonight has been canceled.
Authorities on Tuesday, announced that the city would crack down on kids and teens who violate the city’s nighttime youth curfew law.
The curfew was set to begin Friday, April 12 which aims to ensure that children under the age of 18 will remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian at night, according to Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
"We want the children of our city to enjoy the outdoors safely by limiting the opportunity for them to find themselves in harm's way," Mayor Baraka said. "The safest place for children at night is under the mindful supervision of their parents or another trusted adult, not on the streets. This initiative is aimed at ensuring Newark children are kept safe."
The the Curfew Ordinance will be enforced for those who are more than 100 yards from their residence between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. the following day. There will be some exceptions, such as jobs, "emergency errands" and extracurricular school activities allowed, authorities said.
The overnight hours are particularly hazardous for children due to fewer adult family members and neighbors being outdoors late at night to monitor their safety, Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said.
"While we are implementing increased police presence in all our neighborhoods, we respectfully request that parents and guardians abide by the juvenile curfew ordinance to add an extra layer of safety for their children," Fragé said.
Director Fragé urged parents to abide by the ordinance and asks that anyone with information about any criminal activity call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).