Community groups oppose curfew proposal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Several community groups are criticizing a proposal to impose a curfew in the city of Providence.

City Councilman Davian Sanchez made the proposal last month, after more violence in the capital city.

Sanchez wants to have those under age 18 home at a certain time, and those under age 16 home even earlier.

Sheila Wilhelm, a co-founder of Direct Action for Rights and Equality, is among those who say the proposal would not work.  She proposed another solution.

"We need resources. Our kids need jobs," Wilhelm said, "We need after-school programs. We need rec centers open. We need safe places for kids to be."

DARE along with 5 other community groups wrote a strong letter to the city council in opposition, saying "Curfew laws give police virtually unbridled discretion to stop, detain, harass and search teenagers. This can only encourage arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement."

"I cry every time I see another mother cry, but I don't believe this is an answer," Wilhelm said. "I believe it's on us as a community to find the answers."

So far, there has been no response from the city council.