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DENVER — Starting Friday, the city of Denver will begin active enforcement of its curfew ordinance.

Denver’s curfew ordinance prohibits youth from being in a public place or on public property from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Exceptions include:

  • The minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (an adult friend does not qualify as a legal guardian)
  • The minor is accompanied by an adult (18 or older) and that adult is in possession of written permission from the parent or legal guardian
  • The minor is in a motor vehicle being used in interstate travel
  • The minor is working, traveling to work, or returning from work without any detour stop;
  • Or attending an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, civic organizations, religious organizations or another similar entity.

Active enforcement of the ordinance goes from Friday to Sept. 30. Denver Public Safety Youth Programs diversion officers and Denver police officers will team up to run the Denver SafeNite Program, which offers court diversion opportunities for those 17 years old and younger while police actively enforce the curfew ordinance.

Although the curfew is enforced year-round, youth who break curfew during the active enforcement period are transported to the  Denver Juvenile Services Center at 303 W. Colfax Ave. Their parents are contacted and a citation is issued, according to the city of Denver.

Youth cited for a first-time municipal ordinance violation are given the option to participate in a diversion program instead of entering the court system.

If the option is accepted by the youth and his/her parent(s), a customized diversion plan is developed based on individual assessment. Once the plan is successfully completed, the case is dismissed without a court appearance.

The Denver SafeNite Program was implemented in 1994 and is a joint effort between the Denver Police Department and Denver Public Safety Youth Programs.