OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — With school being out for the summer, the Opelousas Police Department reminds everyone there is a curfew in effect to keep your kids safe.

The curfew, for anyone under the age of 18, lasts from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

Joe Anderson, Public Information Officer for OPD, said while crime is known to happen late at night, you, as a parent, should know where your children are at all times.

“Most of the crime that is committed by youth does happen in the late hours, in the early morning hours,” Anderson said.

Anderson said exceptions can be made if the minor is with an adult. If they have a job that requires them to be out, they must be with an adult during their commute and that must be communicated to the police department.

“It’s not like your mom and dad say, ‘just go out and wander the streets.’” Anderson said. “You have to be in close proximity to your house.”

With the curfew in place, Anderson reminds parents that this curfew will be taken seriously and have consequences if its violated.

“Police can warn the minors or direct them to go home if found in violation of the curfew,” he said. “Repeat offenders may be taken in by juvenile officers, and the custodial parents and the parents are responsible. And if a 17-year-old individual or younger is in violation, the parents may be held responsible for whatever penalties are imposed upon the young person. And it can be imposed also upon their parents or custodial guardians.”

The full ordinance is available on the Opelousas Police Department’s official Facebook page.

Latest news