Some Towns Strict on Curfew While Others Rarely Enforce It

WAGNER, S.D. (AP) — Several cities in South Dakota are cracking down on curfews for minors, but others rarely enforce the ordinance.

The Daily Republic reports that Wagner and Mitchell are two of the few cities in the region that are strict about juvenile curfews.

Since the Wagner Police Department got serious about curfews after a rash of vandalism, it hasn't had a report of vandalism in more than four weeks. Wagner Police Chief Tim Simonsen says a handful of $100 citations have been issued to repeat offenders since mid-May.

Mitchell Police Sgt. Adam Frerichs says any child found outside after curfew is given a citation that's passed on to the juvenile court system.

But officials say curfews are rarely enforced or are nonexistent in smaller, rural towns because there's usually a lack of resources or need.