Curfew law beneficial

Last week, police began enforcement of the curfew law in Indianapolis. Trailing the chilling story of the prank that went awry, Indianapolis Police launched an "aggressive sweep" looking for teenagers out later than curfew. The law forbids children younger than 15 from staying out later than 11 p.m. Those aged 15-17 have until 1 a.m. Those found in violation of the curfew law can receive a fine of anywhere from $50 to $2,500. The officer's discretion will play a dominant role in how much the citation is. \nA curfew, which was always enacted but never enforced, is a respectable effort to enhance the safety of Indy's youth. We find it hard, however, to agree with the outrageous fine. The difference between $50 and $2,500 is huge. And it seems that this punishes the parents, instead of the kids who are the violators. This may be an effort to indeed punish the parents, in hopes they will put stricter rules on their kids. But what can really be accomplished by this? What if the parents don't care that their children are out late, or what if the child sneaks out? \nA reasonable penalty would serve as a better punishment. A small fine might be taken more seriously because it's actually nominal. The likelihood of a police officer issuing a citation for $2,500 is not only unlikely, but could never be enforced. The larger the penalty, the more likely the law is to go unenforced again.