ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) —Dougherty County leaders are considering a new juvenile curfew ordinance that would mirror the city of Albany’s existing policy, which holds parents accountable for violations.

The city of Albany already has its own juvenile curfew ordinance that puts an emphasis on parental accountability. Georgia has its own statewide law, but it does not hold parents responsible the same way. Dougherty County Police Chief Kenneth Johnson said it’s time for the county to adopt something similar to the city’s ordinance.

“I think by holding the parents accountable, you get more teeth into the situation,” Johnson said. “Just in case something happens in the city and it comes out into the county, where the county can mirror off the city. The city is holding them accountable. We want to hold them accountable, too.”

What the city ordinance requires

Under the city ordinance, minors under 18 cannot be in public places between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, or midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends, with exceptions for work, emergencies and adult supervision.

Parents face escalating consequences under the ordinance. A first violation brings a warning. A second violation can result in another warning while the child is referred to juvenile court. A third offense allows officers to criminally charge or fine the parents.

“But if it keeps repeating itself and this child gets in some trouble, so we’ll be holding that child accountable, then we’ll hold the parent accountable at the same time,” Johnson said.

Commissioners voice support

Several commissioners voiced support during the discussion for a uniform countywide ordinance across Albany and Dougherty County, with many agreeing that parents should also be held accountable.

“Our children are very vulnerable, and the parents who are their caregivers have every right to oversee and make sure that their children are in line and doing what they should be doing,” District 3 Commissioner Clinton Johnson said. “And it is their responsibility, and I don’t want it to be the government’s responsibility to do that. That’s something that goes back to our social order.”

The discussion was for informational purposes only. Commissioners plan to bring the ordinance back for consideration at a later date.

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