Summer boredom to put Iowa City curfew to the test

Iowa City is about to find out if its new city-wide curfew is working.

Police believe cooler weather this spring likely deterred teenage troublemakers.  But it's about to warm up and school is getting out.

That's why the community is entering the summer armed with a plan to prevent teenage mischief.

"Everyone's goal is to have a safe and happy summer,” said Sue Freeman, program director for the Broadway Neighborhood Center.

Freeman said several teenagers recently got together to talk how to help each other stay out of trouble when summer boredom sets in.

"The curfew was one of their concerns,” explained Freeman.  “They're worried about transportation.  They're worried about events they want to go to or events at the University throughout the community that once they're there will they miss the bus to come home.

The current city-wide curfew law states teens can't be out too late at night.  Just how late depends on the teen's age.  So far, police have nabbed seven teen curfew offenders.

"We've had a few charges come out of that (and) some warnings,” said Sgt. Denise Brotherton of Iowa City Police Department.  “What we anticipate though is that as the weather gets warmer that may increase.”

So community leaders are working with teens to prevent trouble which includes offering more summer programs to keep them busy.

”The young men would really like some expanded basketball programs,” said Freeman.  “The young women want basketball programs as well.  They're also looking for increased music programs and arts programs.”

Freeman said adults are helping, but the teens are leading the charge for a safer summer.

”It's a reasonable approach,” said Freeman.  “It's really saying I don't want to fix it for you.  I want to give you skills and problem-solving skills so that you can take charge of your own destiny.”

Teens are also exploring ways to add more transportation options to allow them to attend summer events, but not violate the curfew law.  For a list of free and low-cost youth programs and family friendly community events scheduled for this summer in Johnson County, check out

www.johnson-county.com.  Click on “Youth Program and Community Event Calendar, Summer 2010.”