On Dec. 9, a curfew was enacted in Myersville in order to prevent juvenile delinquents from committing vandalism and other criminal offenses.

This curfew was suggested to Deputy Jim Harris by the Myersville council. He agreed, despite rumors of Deputy Harris being the one to suggest the curfew.

This curfew was inspired by 676 juvenile arrests in Frederick, during 2006 and 647 in 2007.

This proposal sparked controversy and mixed feelings among Myersville residents. Many parents feel that this curfew reflects badly on them and their parenting capabilities.

“It doesn’t reflect on me personally, because I would not let my kids out unsupervised at that time of night anyway, for their own safety,” said Maureen Woods of Myersville. “Possibly other parents who are not keeping track of their children, but I believe most of the vandalism was done by people outside of Myersville.”

Sarah Woods, daughter of Maureen Woods, said that she does not think this curfew will work and that teens are angry with both the delinquents and the adults imposing this law.

Nicholas Etheridge, son of a Myersville councilmember, agreed. He said that 10 was the maximum amount of kids who could have committed crimes in Myersville.

The acts committed include graffiti on a concession stand near a baseball field, car theft, and a specific case involving a 20-year-old from Middletown. He said the vandalism, although it has been happening for awhile, is not that severe.

According to Etheridge, this curfew will cause more crime, because innocent teenagers will get in trouble for doing something as insignificant as walking off their porch at night.

Sheriff Jenkins of Frederick did not attend the council meeting, but he does agree with the decision that was made about enacting a curfew for Myersville. He said policemen should be allowed to stop teens wandering at night if they have permission from their parents to be out of the house so late.

This law will have exceptions and defenses such as being accompanied by a parent, returning directly home from a town or school event, working a job, or when a juvenile has permission from his or her parents. Juveniles may also be out in case of emergency such as a fire, natural disaster or a car accident.

Only time will tell if the curfew will reduce crime in the town of Myersville.