HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The City of Hattiesburg is enforcing a curfew for youth after a string of shootings over the weekend.

Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims announced effective immediately, anyone under 18 must follow the new curfew. The curfew will be in place starting at 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

First-time offenders will be transported to the Hattiesburg Police Department and must be picked up by a parent or guardian. If a parent is found to be allowing their child to violate the curfew, they could face fines or jail time.

Repeat offenses may result in charges filed through Youth Court.

“They could end up in juvenile detention, sitting in a couple of days, having certain requirements put on them under probation to where they can’t visit certain establishments. They can’t really interact with certain individuals. You know, their lives will be affected in those terms, So, we encourage them go ahead and make good choices now, make positive choices because that’s what is going to guarantee you a future a positive future in the community,” said Forrest County Sheriff Charlie Sims.

“We need parents to step up, know where your child is, who they’re with, what they’re doing, having that joint accountability between law enforcement, the community, but most importantly at home with the parent is absolutely pivotal,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker.

Forrest County supervisors said they will discuss implementing a county-wide curfew in the coming days.

Law enforcement said any minor found in possession of a firearm will serve 30 days in juvenile detention.