DC police enforce juvenile curfew zones in Navy Yard and U Street amid safety concerns
WASHINGTON, DC – The Metropolitan Police Department has activated two temporary Juvenile Curfew Zones in areas known for large youth gatherings, citing public safety risks over the weekend.
The curfew zones, ordered by Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith, were established under the authority of the Juvenile Curfew Second Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. The zones cover the Navy Yard and U Street Corridor areas and were in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
In the Navy Yard zone, the boundaries are marked by Interstate 695 to the north, 8th Street SE to the east, the Anacostia River to the south, and South Capitol Street SE to the west.
The U Street Corridor zone runs from V Street and Vermont Avenue NW to the north, Florida Avenue and 9th Street NW to the east, T Street NW to the south, and 15th Street NW from T Street to V Street to the west.
Within these zones, groups of nine or more juveniles under the age of 18 are prohibited from gathering in public spaces or business premises unless they are engaged in exempted activities, which include work, school, or organized recreational programs.
The department reminded residents that the citywide juvenile curfew remains in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily for all persons under 18, regardless of location. The special curfew zones were implemented to address growing concerns about public disturbances and to deter potentially unsafe group activity during peak weekend hours.
No arrests or incidents related to the curfew zones have been reported as of Monday.
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Key Points
- Juvenile curfew zones established in Navy Yard and U Street areas
- Groups of nine or more juveniles banned from gathering 8 p.m.–11 p.m. over the weekend
- Citywide 11 p.m. curfew remains in effect for all under-18 individuals