Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Police Department has announced a series of juvenile curfew sweeps scheduled throughout February and March, part of an ongoing effort to improve neighborhood safety and protect young residents during late-night hours. Officials describe the initiative as a proactive strategy designed to reduce risk, prevent youth victimization, and respond to community concerns.
Police say the sweeps will focus on late-night hours when safety risks are known to increase. “These efforts are a proactive public safety strategy aimed at reducing late-night risks, protecting youth from victimization, and addressing identified community concerns.” Department leaders emphasize that curfew enforcement is one of several tools used to strengthen safety and reinforce shared community expectations.
Curfew Rules and Enforcement Procedures
Under City of Dayton law, juveniles — defined as anyone under the age of 18 — are not permitted to loiter or remain in public places between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or covered by specific exceptions outlined in R.C.G.O. 137.10. The ordinance applies to public streets, parks, alleys, and other public areas.
If a juvenile is found in violation of curfew, officers will transport them to the East Patrol District station at 2721 Wayne Ave., where they must be picked up by a parent or guardian. Both the juvenile and the responsible adult will receive a minor misdemeanor citation. Parents or guardians will also receive information about available community resources aimed at preventing future curfew violations.
Authorities say officers will make every effort to contact a guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the juvenile will be taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and remain there until a guardian is located.
Focus on Youth Safety and Community Concerns
Police leaders say the curfew sweeps are rooted in public safety concerns and data showing the risks young people face during late-night hours. Over each of the past three years — 2023, 2024, and 2025 — more than 80 juveniles in Dayton were victims of violent crimes, including aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, and homicide.
Officials stress that the sweeps are not intended solely as enforcement actions but as protective measures. By ensuring young people are off the streets during high-risk hours, authorities hope to reduce victimization and strengthen overall neighborhood safety.
The department encourages families to discuss curfew rules with their children and to understand the importance of nighttime safety. Through enforcement, outreach, and resource support, Dayton police aim to create safer environments for youth and provide guidance that helps prevent future incidents.
