1934: Home Or Jail By 9 O’clock, Boys Warned

October 31, 1934

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Chief Says Old Curfew Law Will Be Enforced In El Paso

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TO STOP VANDALISM

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Robey Also Hopes to Prevent Halloween Destruction By New Order

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Police Chief L.T. Robey today exploded the hopes of youghful Halloween celebrators for an all-night jamboree when he ordered enforcement of the city’s ancient 9 o’clock curfew ordinance.

The chief announced that those who were not off the streets by 9 p.m. would spend the night in jail.

“I mean that, too,” the chief said.

“Radio patrolmen and special officers who will be on duty tonight have their instructions to bring children under 18 years of age to the police station.”

Tonight will be the first time in many years that police have undertaken to enforce the curfew ordinance.

Must Have Guardian

It was passed Sept. 2, 1915, and has been practically forgotten. It specifies that it is unlawful for a child under 16 years of age to be upon city streets after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or someone related to one of the parents.
Possibility that the police department will enforce the curfew ordinance permanently was seen today. Chief Robey said he is conferring with city officials and the legal department as to the advisability of enforcing the ordinance as a means of curbing vandalism by youths.

Youthful vandals have been doing hundreds of dollars of damage to city parks and private property recently.

Chief Robey also warned Halloween celebrators to confine their pranks to those of a mild nature tonight.

Promise Bitter Medicine

“We are going to administer a little bitter medicine to anyone who goes in for destructive and dangerous pranks tonight,” he said.

“Greasing street car tracks, cluttering up streets, and private property with junk or furniture and hurting anyone is out.”

A special crew of watchmen will be employed by the city water works and fire department to see that fire plugs are not turned on in wholesale quantities as they were last year.

Chief Robey also added that there will be no intoxicated persons released from the city jail tomorrow.