Senior Elizabeth Hankins exits school at exactly 12: 43 a.m. and the countdown begins. Before the new curfew change, she wouldn’t have worried about getting home as much but since the curfew was reduced she only has 45 minutes from leaving late night to get home without it being considered a crime.

“I’m going to watch my driving more,” said Hankins. “If they can pull me over for a minor violation such as a tail light being out, I don’t want to get in more trouble for being out past curfew. My mom’s curfew is later than the city curfew, so I just have to be careful.”

The City Council reviewed the Springdale City Council Ordinance No. 4562 regarding curfew for minors on Jan. 16, 2012.

“The Ordinance committee of the City Council is reviewing all Chapters of the Springdale Code of Ordinances,” said city attorney Jeff Harper. “The change was recommended. It was passed by full Council on January 24, 2012, and becomes effective 30 days later.”

The new curfew was put into place on February 24, 2012.

It states: “On Sunday through Thursday evenings from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. the following day (seven hours); On Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 11 p.m. through 5 a.m. the following day (six hours),” from Ordinance No. 4562.

Juvenile crime rates have been increasing from the previous two years, giving reason for recommended change. In Jan. 2010, juvenile arrests were at 37, in 2011, 27 were arrested, and a record 45 juveniles were arrented in January 2012.

“I hope it reduces nuisance crimes as a result of having nothing to do,” said Chief of Police Kathy O’Kelly.

With the recent graffiti violations, juvenile mischief is becoming more serious with auto theft, burglary, and breaking and entering. Authorities believe the curfew change will decrease the incidents.

“I think it will be beneficial because some of our juvenile incidents occurred earlier than the old curfew time, especially some of the graffiti incidents,” said Mr.Harper.

The curfew has a 45 minute window, so minors can get home. Events such as high school games or extracurricular activities running late will not count against the curfew.

“You have 45 minutes from when you leave,” said Officer Wooten. “The officer can verify where you were.”

It is the officer’s discretion whether they have justification to question the age of a person or if the reason for being out past curfew is valid. A primary offense will be needed to initiate the violation such as a light out, speeding, etc.

However, minors with an unexcuseable reason for violating curfew can face citations or fines even for their parents.

“Parents can be fined or brought into court,” said Officer Wooten. “It’s their responsibility to keep track of the kids.”

Although the new curfew is now in effect, some are skeptical to whether or not the one hour difference is going to be followed.

“They can change it, but I don’t think many people will follow it,” said junior Janae Ratliff. “It’s restricting.”