City of Fayetteville Approves Youth Curfew, Safety Measures in 8–2 Vote

Fayetteville, NC — In response to rising violence and growing public concern, the Fayetteville City Council has approved a series of new public safety measures, including an 11:00 PM curfew for minors aged 16 and under. The vote passed 8–2 during Monday night’s meeting and marks the beginning of a one-year pilot program intended to address escalating youth crime and community safety.

The new curfew takes effect immediately and is part of a broader initiative that also includes increased Crime Stoppers reward funding, new restrictions on personal items at city events, and plans to explore enhanced law enforcement technology. Under the new rules, the reward for tips submitted through Crime Stoppers will incr

ease from $2,000 to $5,000 with support from city funding. Additionally, masks that conceal a person’s identity will now be prohibited at city-owned pr operties and events, with medical exceptions permitted. Large bags will also be banned at city events unless they are clear, as part of a push for safer, more secure public gatherings.

The measures follow a string of violent incidents that have shaken the city in recent months. Three people were shot near the annual Dogwood Festival in A

pril. A 36-year-old man was fatally shot at Barton’s Landing Place just last weekend. In March, a 12-year-old child was injured in a shooting at a local carnival. So far in 2025, Fayetteville has recorded 14 homicides—a 366 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The curfew measure drew criticism from some council members and community advocates. Councilmen Mario Benavente and Deno Hondros voted against the policy. Benavente argued that research does not support the effectiveness of curfews in reducing youth crime and warned of potential consequences for families. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen advocated for a six-month trial rather than a full year. Mayor Mitch Colvin originally proposed a 9:00 PM curfew, but the council agreed on 11:00 PM to better align with high school sports schedules and other youth activities.

Concerns were also r

aised about the impact the curfew might have on parents, especially in cases where minors leave home without parental knowledge. Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU, pointed to data from other cities suggesting that curfews have had limited success in addressing crime and often result in unnecessary penalties for families.

In addition to the curfew, the council discussed a variety of longer-term strategies to support public safety and community development. These include expanding the city’s surveillance network with license plate readers, facial recognition tools, and artificial intelligence systems. Officials also considered establishing partnerships with private security agencies to support law enforcement during major city events.

Other youth-focused proposals under consideration include the introduction of a junior mayor role, extended hours and improved transportation access for recreation centers, and new ID systems to increase safety at those facilities. Interim Police Chief Kemberle Joyce emphasized the importance of partnering with community organizations, investing in youth programs, and increasing support for juvenile court counselors to help address the root causes of crime.

As the new curfew and accompanying policies go into effect, the city plans to prioritize public outreach and education while monitoring the program’s impact over the next 12 months.

By Kres Thomas | FayT

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