MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor A C Wharton promised the city would open centers for kids breaking curfew this fall.
He even assured us the plans were on track during WREG’s mayoral debate Tuesday.
But Friday, his staff said more research was needed, and the first center may not open until April 2016.
“We will get those centers open in September,” said Mayor Wharton at the debate.
He had said that many times before.
Originally those words were said Halloween 2014 after a series of violent attacks made by teens.
“If I have to redirect funding we are spending already, we will find it. This is a situation that rises to the top,” he said last October.
Wharton did secure money and got state lawmakers to change the law about curfew centers.
They would be someplace officers could bring kids breaking curfew.
Right now, an officer must issue them a summons or find their parent.
“We are in the last few days of perfecting the various plans of the community centers. We will get it done in September. We will still have time,” said Mayor Wharton at the debate.
He wasn’t available to talk to us Friday, but his staff sent us the following statement:
“The Youth Guidance Commission met [Thursday] and are still working to finalize recommendations. They have taken the extra step of involving youth in the process of creating these centers. The students’ input is helping to shape our approach and guiding principles.
The Commission chairman advised the Mayor that they are in the process of doing some additional research involving MPD and peer cities with similar centers. Consequently, more time is needed before final recommendations are complete. Also, the Commission advises the peak period for curfew violations is April through October and they may recommend that a pilot center be opened in April 2016, which allows time to more fully develop the concept, engage partner organizations and appropriate necessary resources.”
Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael, who’s been working with Mayor Wharton to curb youth violence, told WREG he’s disappointed about the wait, but said it’s important this is done right.
After all, he pointed out, we don’t want to make mistakes other cities have made in the past.
