FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio -- It seems to be one of the issues many communities have moved to or are at least discussing -- curfews. You can add Fairfield County to that list.
County commissioners learned the Family and Children First Council of Fairfield County have a plan that would target the unincorporated or rural areas of the county.
Currently, there are curfews in place for surrounding areas to Fairfield County, including the city of Lancaster.
The proposal would mean children ages 12 and under to be in from dusk until dawn, and 13- to 17-year-olds would be inside from midnight to dawn.
One commissioner said he thinks the burden of such a proposition should lie elsewhere.
Mike Kiger says, "I'll be truthful, this is a parental control issue with restrictions it shouldn't be something we do."
Others in the community said they think it is a great idea.
Lorie Mowrey says, "They are out looking for things to do and ultimately they get into trouble with burglaries or vandalism."
While the argument is being made that parents need to step up, the assistant prosecutor for Fairfield County says it's not always that easy.
Julia Dillon says, "If parents get into trouble, have problems with drugs, aren't willing to take care of kids, it trickles down."
In 2008, Columbus officials started a curfew for teens in the city. Thursday through Sunday, Columbus police picked up children on the street after curfew and put them inside a truancy classroom at the YMCA.
The total number of teens picked up during the summer of 2008 was 60. Last year, the city partnered with Franklin County Children Services. Officers would take children home first, and if no one was there, they would go to the children service intake center.
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