© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Detroit police propose fireworks curfew expansion

Vito Palmisano

The Detroit Police Department wants to extend a curfew for kids during the city's annual River Fest and fireworks this month.

Minors would have to be off the streets by 6 p.m. for four days this year instead of one, unless they're on the sidewalk outside their own home.

The proposal also makes exceptions for travel between work or educational programs.

Police said the restriction will help keep the peace downtown during the festivities, but some say the curfew is unfair.

City Councilman Andre Spivey said the proposal makes all youth in Detroit out to be criminals.

"I don't think it's fair to say, 'Well you you have to be in front of your house or in the house because of a melee that could take place downtown,'" he said.

Spivey said he hopes the council can work with police on a compromise.

"We shouldn't let a small group of people who acted out last year, the last couple of years shut down our city," he said. "[The festival] is a time to showcase Detroit."

The Detroit City Council will take public comments at a hearing next week before voting on the matter.

Related Content