IMPD’s New Spot Supports Teens Past Curfew

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has launched a downtown safe site for youth found out past curfew.

Chief Chris Bailey said the site is meant to protect, not punish. Teens will be brought to the secure location, where they can wait for a parent or guardian and access services such as mental health care, job training and mentorship.

Under Indiana law, those 15 to 17 may not be in public from 1 to 5 a.m. on weekends or after 11 p.m. on weeknights. Children under 15 are not allowed in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. any day.

Exceptions include being with an adult or traveling to or from work, school, or religious activities.

Officers will give warnings through patrol car speakers starting 30 minutes before curfew. If teens remain out, police may escort them to the safe site. Parents will be contacted; if they can’t be reached, the teen may be taken to juvenile detention. IMPD said this would not result in an arrest or permanent record.

The exact location of the safe site has not been made public.