MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis leaders are taking another look at the city’s curfew law after a recent shooting involving teenagers near Tom Lee Park put the spotlight back on youth violence downtown.

During a Memphis City Council discussion Tuesday, council members questioned Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis about how the city could realistically enforce the curfew ordinance, which has existed for years but has not been consistently enforced.

Council members and police leaders acknowledged enforcement is overdue. They also said addressing youth violence will require accountability from parents and more safe places for teenagers to gather.

The curfew applies to minors across the city:

• For 17-year-olds, the curfew begins at 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and midnight on weekends.
• For children 16 and younger, it starts at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Davis told council members the Memphis Police Department is now working through what enforcement could actually look like.

“I think everyone has the appetite to really figure it out,” Davis said. “How do we enforce an ordinance that is there and put in place the resources that are needed in order to enforce the curfew ordinance?”

Some community leaders said stronger enforcement could help address large groups of teens gathering downtown.

Others said focusing only on curfews ignores deeper issues facing young people in Memphis.

K. Durell Cowan, founder of the nonprofit HEAL 901, said preventing youth violence will require long-term investment in young people.

“What it shows is there’s still a deeper need for more than the surface level,” Cowan said. “Yes, a larger presence does lower and suppress some crime. But to stop what we’re seeing right now, you’re going to have to really take time to invest in people.”

Cowan also said when young people do not have safe activities or resources available, public spaces often become the gathering point.

“And what we’re seeing right now, when our young people have nothing for them to do, they take over public spaces,” Cowan said.

Youth activist Kenny Lee said the city has had the curfew law in place for years and believes it should already be enforced.

“You know what? I’m going to be honest with you,” Lee started. “Memphis being had a curfew. The curfew should have been enforced a long time ago.”

Lee said enforcement alone will not solve the problem and that parents, community groups, and local organizations must also play a role in keeping young people engaged and safe.

Community leaders said curfews may be one part of the solution, but many believe the larger conversation must focus on youth violence and making sure young people have safe places to go.