Dolton Village Board members implemented a 9 p.m. curfew on Monday. This decision came after police reported five significant youth gatherings, commonly referred to as teen takeovers, in the village this summer. Police Chief Jeffrey Chapman highlighted the efforts to learn more about the teenagers involved by questioning those arrested for past curfew violations or other infractions. Although major incidents were not reported in connection with these gatherings, there were instances when shots were fired near officers and an assault rifle was seized from a teenager, according to Chapman.
“There is no single effective strategy to manage these teen takeovers,” he explained. Chapman described gatherings with 300 to 600 youth, creating challenges as officers pursued them through Sibley Boulevard and residential neighborhoods.
Previously, Dolton’s curfew for minors was from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. on the weekends, based on the ordinance. The new curfew prohibits children under 18 from being unsupervised from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, including weekends. Additionally, a penalty has been introduced with fines between $250 and $2,500 for violations.
Mayor Jason House expressed gratitude to Chapman and the officers for their work in restoring order. He noted that the curfew change and the penalties provide police with additional ways to tackle teen takeovers and remove undesirable individuals from the community. “It’s up to the chief’s discretion how strictly the curfew will be enforced,” House said. “In events like a teen takeover, it helps further assist officers in their efforts.” The measure was unanimously approved by the Village Board.
Responses to teen takeovers vary among Chicago area officials. Last summer, police in Flossmoor, Posen, Orland Park, and other locations tried to create strategies for managing large gatherings. The Blue Island City Council recently passed an ordinance holding parents and guardians responsible if their children are involved in teen takeovers, including costs for repairing city property and other associated services.
Chicago city officials have considered various solutions, including job programs, stricter social media regulations, city-sponsored events, temporary curfews, and parental liability ordinances. Mayor Brandon Johnson is exploring options like summer jobs and free YMCA memberships for 12- to 18-year-olds.
Chapman reported that police were aware of plans for eight teen takeover events in Dolton this year, with five occurring. Efforts included sending warnings through notices before planned events, addressing the risks and potential consequences. Hazel Crest police took a different approach after a large gathering for a graduation celebration, announcing that officers acted as facilitators to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Dolton police found that many of the teens involved in the gatherings were from outside the village. However, Chapman commended the professionalism of the officers despite the strain from these events. “Among the teens encountered and cited, only two were Dolton residents,” he said, “indicating local youth have other activities besides teen takeovers.”
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