/2.

April 14th, 1975

A resident then suggested that a curfew be established for a six months'
trial period, and stated she felt a curfew would prove successful and would
Save many children from committing acts of vandalism. Alderman Laking
inquired of Inspector Young whether a curfew would really do anything

with respect to the percentage of youngsters that are a problem, and he
replied that he did not feel a By-law of this nature would be enforceable.
Alderman Laking inquired whether the $5.00 fine authorized under the
Municipal Act would encourage parents to be inore responsible, and Inspector
Young replied he did not think it would be much of a deterrent, and
commented that the only advantage is having the parents appear in court,
which is open to the public and the press. Mayor Campbell stated he

could not understand the police not wanting a curfew, as Many times they
have mentioned they would like to pick up certain children but did not
have the power. Mayor Campbell suggested that the word "habitually"

used in Section 869(3) of the Act, means those children warned for being
out after the curfew hour several times, and that when Parents of such
children are required to appear in court the judge should question who

is taking care of the children. Alderman Traboulay stated he was concerned
about the word "child" and pointed out that there could be a difference

of opinion as to what a child is. Alderman Traboulay commented that at

i6 years of age a young person can obtain a driver's licence and questioned
the imposition of a curfew on one who has the responsibility for driving
on public streets. Alderman Traboulay suggested that rather than imposing
a curfew, a siren should be sounded at 11:00 p.m. each night to make
parents aware of the hour and whether or not theer children are home. A
resident pointed out that mos: acts of vandalism are committed by children
between the ages of 13 and 14 years, and commented that if a curfew hour
was established such offences would not cease but would be carried out
before the hour set. Mr. Don Ray, 2820 Burns Road, pointed out that the
bus service makes commuting available to vandals, and that if a curfew

was imposed in Port Coquitlam, they would probably go to neighbouring
communities ~ thereby shifting the problem to other areas. Inspector
Young advised he and the members of his Detachment feel that all children
should not be restricted in their activities because of a very small
percentage of those who are a problem. Inspector Young then advised

that the Act does not give the police authority to pick a child up
unofficially, and pointed out that there is a problem of the police

being used as a taxi service.

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