Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department will begin conducting its summer enforcement initiative by enforcing loitering and curfew laws in an effort to reduce crime and the number of opportunities for juveniles to be involved in crime.  The enforcement efforts this summer are aimed to ensure that County residents understand and obey county and state laws pertaining to loitering and curfews.

     “This summer we want to encourage parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the curfew laws pertaining to their children seventeen years of age and under.  Those juveniles who are found loitering and without adult supervision and in violation of the curfew law, will be taken into custody and charged accordingly.  These ordinances are created for the safety of minors as well as to maintain the quality of life throughout the County ” said Chief Hylton.

     Prince George’s County Code prohibits any person under the age of seventeen (17) to be or remain in or upon a public place within the County during the following time periods; 11:59 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on all other nights.  Violation of this code will result in a written warning issued to the parent or guardian by the police.  Any subsequent violation can result in a $50 to $250 fine in which the parent or guardian will be liable for.  Anyone found loitering in places with posted “No Loitering” signs could be charged with trespassing.  Any person found guilty of this violation could receive a fine of $500 and/or 90 days in jail.

     The Prince George’s County Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and wonderful summer. For more information on curfew laws please go to www.princegeorgescountymd.gov or just click on the following link: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/pb/oysp/curfew.asp