Durham Officials Consider Teen Curfew

A

private pool party

for teens last weekend in Durham quickly erupted into violence that ended with gunfire. Six people, all between the ages of 16 and 19, went to the hospital. The accused shooters range from 18 to 20 years of age.

In late December, a 13-year-old girl was

shot

outside MK's House of Jazz and R&B in downtown Durham. She survived the shooting. Police said she was an innocent bystander in a gang-related shooting.

At a recent forum, some Durham teens shared their concerns about violence and gangs. City and county leaders are also concerned.

A Chamber of Commerce safety committee plans to present data on juvenile crime in Durham, dating back five years. The pattern may convince Durham officials that it is time for a curfew.

Talk of enacting a teen curfew in Durham came up in 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2001, but each time, Durham officials worried a curfew would place extra stress on police officers. They also had concerns it might not hold up in court.

Knightdale and Charlotte also have teen curfews in place.