Opinion ID: 1197060
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: STOP Program

Text: {3} The parties stipulated to the following facts. The City implemented the STOP program, a pilot initiative, from July 19 to September 30, 1996, during which the Curfew was enforced Friday through Sunday nights. During this program, 616 children were taken into custody for alleged curfew violations. Eighty-three of the police reports contain no narrative summary explaining the basis for the stop, and of the remaining children, 106 reports indicate that the stop occurred because of some other suspected criminal violation, most often a traffic violation. The vast majority of children stopped and taken into custody for alleged curfew violations were talking or walking with others. {4} Police officers took children into custody under Section 12-5-9 of the Curfew, handcuffed and patted them down at the scene of the curfew violation, and took them to Wells Park Community Center, where the handcuffs were removed. City personnel photographed the children, took physical descriptions, and questioned them. The officers also completed a police report. Information was noted on intake forms, and a copy of these forms was given to the Albuquerque Public Schools and the State of New Mexico Juvenile Probation and Parole Office. The children were held at the Center until they were released to either a parent or guardian, and if neither could be found, they were released to a probation officer or to a licensed child care shelter. {5} The police officers did not inform the children of their constitutional right against self-incrimination prior to or after their arrival at Wells Park. Each child was then required to attend an educational session pertaining to the Curfew ordinance. Parents or guardians were invited, but not required, to attend this session.