Juvenile Curfew Violation Initiative Announced For St. Thomas

ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Police Department has announced the implementation of a curfew compliance initiative currently in effect for the territory’s capital because of the recent upswing in criminal activity committed by teens, and parents are being advised to comply with the curfew.

That’s according to a press release VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson issued on Friday. A similar initiative was announced for St. Croix in February.

The release states that offending children may be subject to community service upwards of 100 hours, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders may face additional penalties.

The criminal incidents committed by minors at various social events demands a proactive approach coupled with community partnerships, according to the release. As such, parents and guardians are asked to work collaboratively with the police department to ensure compliance with the curfew enforcement by immediately notifying the authorities of non-compliant minors.

As part of a statement issued to announce the St. Croix initiative in February, Police Chief Arthur S. Hector, Sr. cited Virgin Islands law governing parental duty and “strongly urges all parents with minor children to read and pay attention to the law, as it relates to curfew for minors.”

The law follows:

Title 14 V.I.C. Chapter 23 Subsection 481(a) Neglect of Parental Duty; causing delinquency of a minor; loitering on streets a, speaks to whoever commits any act or omits the performance of any duty, which act or omission cause a child under the age of eighteen (18) to be come in need of the care and protection of the juvenile and domestic relations division of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned not more than One (1) year or both. Section (b) indicates that any child under the age of sixteen (16) found upon or remaining upon the streets or highways after 10:00 pm., unaccompanied by a person legally responsible for such child’s behavior, except the child shows to the satisfaction of the police that he is in transit to or from his home to another place supervised by adult either with the express consent or under the direction of his parent or guardian, shall be taken into custody by the police and held until released to the parent or guardian, who shall be notified forthwith. The offending child may be subject to community service.Page | 2 Section (c) indicates that a parent, legal guardian or person responsible for the care and/or custody of any child under the age of eighteen (18) years shall have the duty to exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection, and control over such child. 

The Criminal Investigation Bureau, of which the Youth Investigation Bureau falls under, will implement the initiative.