CANTON, Ohio — Canton Chief of Police, John D. Gabbard, is reminding Canton parents and youth about the city's curfew guidelines as students get ready for summer vacation.
Gabbard says the city will actively enforce the curfew and parents along with their children will be held accountable if violations occur.
The City of Canton provided their updated curfew guidelines as seen below.
Canton Codified Ordnance 503.02 states:
“No minor shall loiter, idle, wander, stroll or play, or be in or on any vehicle, in or upon any public place within the City of Canton between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Sunday night through Thursday night, and between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., Friday night through Saturday night; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
- To a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian or other adult person having custody or control of such minor;
- To a minor who is on an emergency errand or specific business or activity directed or permitted by his parent, guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor;
- To a minor whose presence is connected with or required by some legitimate employment, trade, profession or occupation;
- To a minor attending or returning, within one hour after the conclusion thereof, from any scheduled activity by the Canton Board of Education such as football or basketball games, or from any other special function scheduled by any other church, school or organization, provided that the church, school or organization shall register the event in advance with the Chief of Police or his designate, who shall require such information as is necessary to implement the provisions of this section.”
As of June 22, a change to the ordinance will take effect, making the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. the official curfew time for all days, Sunday night through Saturday night.
“Safety is our top priority.” stated Andrea M. Perry, Director of Public Safety. “We fully understand the need for children to enjoy their summer. With COVID, the last couple of years have been tough on everyone. However, officers have a duty to enforce the curfew. This is not a punitive measure. Parents along with the their children will be held accountable if found in violation.”
Those seeking additional information and/or clarification are encouraged to contact the Mayor's office at (330) 438-4307.
Editor's Note: The video above is from an unrelated story about the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon published on May 23, 2022.
