Laurel Mayor Enacts Summer Youth Curfew
Beginning on July 11, Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor enacted a summer-long curfew for those under the age of 18 between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night.
“Over the past 4th of July weekend, we had several incidents throughout the state. We already had a curfew in place, but we enhanced it with my recent executive order,” said Sydnor in an interview with WUSA9. “The goal is to keep our kids safe.”
He also highlighted the Safe Summer Nights program, which offers recreational activities for families throughout the summer.
The exceptions to the curfew include: being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; when returning directly home within one hour following school; religious or voluntary association events; public entertainment such as movies or concerts; or when leaving to or from work.
The Laurel Police Department has been tasked with enforcing the curfew in accordance with city laws and procedures.
Sydnor emphasized that the purpose of the youth curfew is to promote safety in Laurel.
“As Mayor, the safety of our young residents is a top priority. This temporary curfew is a proactive step to ensure our community remains safe and secure during the busy summer season,” he said in a statement. “We urge parents and guardians to speak with their children about the curfew and support our efforts to foster a safer Laurel.”
Laurel Councilmember Kyla Clark, who has previously advocated for local curfews, is looking forward to further partnerships with Sydnor to prevent crime.
“I firmly believe that implementing this curfew will help restore a sense of normalcy to the city of Laurel and keep both our kids and our residents safe,” Clark said in a statement.
While some Laurel residents have applauded the decision as a means to keep residents safe, others decried the decision.
“This is a short-sighted and temporary fix,” Laurel resident Tia Jones wrote in a Facebook post. “Policing our kids is not the solution; access to safe and fun events that are free or low cost will keep kids from mischief.”
For additional information on Laurel’s youth curfew ordinance, visit cityoflaurel.org.
Forestville State Police Barracks Temporarily Relocating to College Park
The Maryland State Police’s Forestville barracks are soon scheduled for demolition and replacement, after several troopers spoke out about disrepair and deteriorating conditions.
Videos showed rain pouring in through an electrical socket and a rat infestation surrounding the building.
“The Maryland Department of State Police, along with its state partners, is pleased to announce that a brand new, state-of-the-art Forestville Barrack is scheduled to begin operations in southern Prince George’s County in Spring 2028,” according to a Maryland State Police statement. “With funding provided for by the Moore-Miller administration, the new barrack will remain at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Forestville Road, the very same site that has served the citizens of Prince George’s County since 1970.”
The existing building is scheduled to be demolished later this year and current barracks personnel were relocated roughly a dozen miles away to the College Park Barrack, beginning on July 14. They will still maintain their assignment on Routes 4, 5, 202, 301, and 50 along with I-495.
Despite the move, the Maryland State Police reassured residents that safety would not be impacted.
“Rest assured; public safety services will not be impacted,” according to the statement. “Staffing is not being reduced, and troopers will continue to provide uninterrupted, around-the-clock services to the county.”
State Sen. Nick Charles (D- District 25), who represents the barracks, is thankful to see action taken to improve the dilapidated work space.
“When I saw the videos, I was taken aback,” Charles told NBC Washington. “When you look at the conditions in that building, no one should be working in those conditions. Thank you for releasing that information. It certified why we have to invest in infrastructure in Maryland.”
