Euless police say they will use a new daytime curfew as a tool to identify at-risk kids earlier, as the department teams up with the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district to find students who are skipping class.
"It's not just implementing a curfew ordinance, we have actually put together a truancy program to encourage the kid to stay in school," Sgt. Eric Starnes said.
Although Euless police said they don't report big problems with truant students, the HEB school district has seen a rise in unexcused absences. During the last school year, unexcused absences went up by about 2,800 from the previous academic year.
While curfews have been challenge in some cities, law enforcement agencies say they can be beneficial.
"One of the things we noticed about our nighttime curfew ordinance (is) our crime rate dropped," Starnes said.
Euless and Bedford have already adopted the new daytime curfew and Hurst, which is home to Northeast Mall, is expected to discuss the issue this week.
The daytime curfew means when school is in session between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, a minor who is out of school without an excused absence can be in violation. It is a Class C misdemeanor with a possible fine of up to $500.
Some parents, like Rosemary Epps say they think it's a good idea and should be standard procedure.
"Children without a rein, and responsibilities and without a curfew, they can get in trouble," she said.
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Euless police said they have written one citation so far.
Part of their effort is a classroom presentation for students identified by the school district as "at-risk"
