The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia announced that two specific juvenile curfew zones will be in effect from 8 p.m. on Friday, August 21, until 12 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. The zones cover the Brightwood/Emery Heights neighborhood and the area surrounding the Banneker Recreation Center on U Street.
Details of the curfew zones
In the Brightwood/Emery Heights zone, the perimeter is defined by Quackenbos Street to the north, 8th Street to the east, Longfellow Street to the south and 13th Street to the west. In the Banneker/U‑Street zone, the boundaries run from Euclid Street on the north, Georgia Avenue and 7th Street on the east, 11th Street and V Street on the west, and T Street on the south.
During the curfew period, any person under the age of 18 is prohibited from gathering in groups of nine or more in public spaces or on the premises of any establishment, unless the gathering is part of an exempted activity such as a school‑sponsored event, a religious service, or a supervised youth program.
Citywide curfew remains in place
In addition to the two targeted zones, the District maintains a citywide juvenile curfew that begins nightly at 11 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. The temporary zones simply tighten the restrictions for the early‑evening hours on Friday and Saturday.
Police officials said the measure is intended to deter unsupervised gatherings that could lead to disorderly conduct or safety concerns. The department will increase patrols in the designated areas and work with community partners to ensure compliance.
Exemptions and enforcement
Minors who are participating in exempted activities—such as organized sports practices, after‑school programs, or family gatherings that are not public assemblies—are not subject to the curfew. Law enforcement officers are instructed to verify the nature of the gathering before issuing citations.
Violations may result in a citation, a warning, or referral to a youth services program, depending on the circumstances and the officer’s discretion.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the added safety measures, noting recent incidents of late‑night disturbances in the neighborhoods. Others caution that the curfew could limit legitimate youth activities and urge the city to provide more supervised alternatives.
The Police Department has invited residents to attend a public information session on August 23 at the Brightwood Community Center to discuss the curfew, address concerns, and explore additional youth‑engagement resources.
What residents should know
- Curfew hours: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Friday Aug 21 – Saturday Aug 22) in the two zones.
- Citywide curfew: 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. nightly.
- Groups of nine or more minors are prohibited unless exempted.
- Exempted activities include school events, religious services, and supervised programs.
- Police will increase patrols and enforce the curfew with citations or referrals.
Residents with questions can contact the Metropolitan Police Department’s non‑emergency line at 202‑727‑9099 or visit the MPD website for further details.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
