Flash Mobs and Curfew: Juvenile Arrests Top 500 So Far This Year

Almost two months have passed since a group of mostly teenagers crowded Coventry and made city officials rethink their curfew laws and strategies to avoid what some call flash mobs.

Kids from all over Cleveland gathered after the Coventry Street Arts Fair June 26, prompting officials to create for minors in Coventry and Cedar Lee and organizations to host community meetings. 

Only four kids have been arrested in the special districts since the curfew has been implemented, said Police Chief Jeffrey Robertson. They were warned, he said, and officers are focusing on educating the public still. 

But there are other, larger youth issues in Cleveland Heights. 

At a recent street meeting, Robertson provided statistics on youth arrests in the city. As of July 31, 537 arrests have been made this year (some are repeat offenders) and out of 52 burglary arrests, 29 were juveniles. In 2010, there were 818 juvenile arrests.

“The biggest problem we’re dealing with are juvenile disturbances. It’s really incredible how much it’s increased over the years … and I think a lot of cities, most cities are dealing with that,” he said.

Though he couldn’t mention specifics, he said he has looked at programs other cities such as Cleveland and East Cleveland have implemented and has plans in the works.

The police department has worked on building relationships with the community through its program every Thursday night, and by adding so they can better interact with the community. 

But he wants to look at implementing specific youth programs as well.

“I want to reach out to the kids.”