The 387-city survey found that seven out of 10 of the cities surveyed currently have a youth curfew in place . In slightly less than half the curfew is either new or recently modified. Problems most frequently mentioned by officials in the survey cities were shortage of police personnel and the inability of court systems to handle the high volume of cases . Constitutional challenges were also mentioned.
Parental involvement appears to be the key to success .
Officials believe that curfews are less effective where there is less parental involvement in in the handling of children. Many cities report lack of parental intervention as the chief reason for repeat curfew offenses . Approaches combining parents, law enforcement officials and the schools tend to view curfews as more effective . Denver and Charleston both involve parents and educators to the extent possible. The program provides a safe place to wait for a parent to any youth found on the street during the 11 PM to 5 AM curfew .