LYNCHBURG, Va (WFXR) — Friday, June 2, marks one week since a curfew for kids and teens began in Lynchburg.

Unless they’re with an adult, right outside their home, or have special permission, no one under the age of 18 is supposed to be out and about between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

City Officials say the goal is to decrease youth involvement in violence, as well as protect them.
The curfew comes after three kids lost their lives to gun violence within blocks of each other, in just a matter of months.

WFXR spoke with several residents who have mixed feelings about the curfew. Some said they have noticed a huge difference, while others said there has been no change.

Ernest Chilton is one Lynchburg resident who is happy to see the city taking action to help the youth.

“Innocent kids are dying. So, I mean, something had to be done immediately,” said Chilton.

Chilton said he can already see the effects of the curfew after just one week.

“Kids getting too much access to guns in this area, and you know stuff is going on, so, I think it’s been a little quieter since the curfew,” said Chilton.

Lynchburg City Councilman, Sterling Wilder, said the curfew not only impacts kids and teens but holds parents more accountable as well.

“It kinda puts our parents in another position, to say, you know we really need your help, that you matter, that you’re monitoring your child’s activities,” said Wilder.

According to the Lynchburg Police Department, there have been six juvenile violations in the Hill City since the curfew was put in place. Wilder said he believes the curfew is a resource that can help make the city safer.

“It gives them another tool in their tool kit to keep our citizens safe and to keep our children safe as well,” said Wilder.

Some residents told WFXR they believe the curfew hasn’t really made any sort of change,
but Wilder said they haven’t really been seeing or hearing that much pushback.

“The main thing is that our children are safe, the main thing second is that our neighbors in our community are safe, because we don’t want any child to be hurt. We don’t want any child out there without any supervision,” said Wilder.

The curfew is set to continue with the same regulations until December, city council says they may reevaluate after that time.