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. . . . . .. choose to abandon the present ordinance. It is the Police Department's recommendation that the Council approve the modifications as presented. Although we do not envision - wide sweeps or officers dedicated to enforcing the ordinance, we think it could be a useful tool to use on occasion, and it would generally benefit the youth of our community." In response to a question ITom Council Member Ruskin, City Attorney Schricker clarified, "The curfew would not apply to youth in interstate travel. It would apply to minors driving, cruising so to speak, the streets, who were not engaged in interstate travel. Interstate travel means from one state to the other...." Mayor Howard thanked Sergeant Matuszak for requesting and incorporating input ITom the Youth Advisory Board. In response to a question ITom Council Member Leipzig regarding enforcement, Sergeant Matuszak said that the benefit of the ordinance is that it gives the officers the legal ability to detain a minor. He explained, "As it stands now, an officer could stop and speak to any person at any time of the day or night, but should that person choose not to cooperate and want to depart, we would have no authority over them. This would give officers the legal authority to detain the juvenile whether he chose to be detained or not." Sergeant Matuszak also confirmed that officers have incidences when they have run into youths after hours. Council Member Leipzig stated, "It is my concern that I don't want to put another rule on the books if we are not going to enforce it. I want you to have the ability to do it, but - knowing that you have the option to deal with it is what I am looking for." MIS: IRAIRUSKIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE REVISIONS OF THE CURFEW ORDINANCE. Mayor Howard described the "ride-alongs" she has taken with Redwood City PD, and how often she has seen young people congregating very late at night. She said, "I am pleased to see the Police Department is going to have tools to efficiently deal with this because... but also leaving the opening for those legitimate reasons for teens who are working, married, or other things that are certainly going to happen. We are just trying to stop crime and make the streets safer." Council discussed whether or not the Police Department should engage in a significant publicity campaign to alert the public to the new revisions. Council Members Claire and Hartnett said that Redwood City has long had a Curfew Ordinance on the books, and they recommended Council adoption of the new revisions, with an appropriate public information plan to follow. Chief Bolanos said that his Department would issue a press release explaining the new Curfew Ordinance revisions. Mayor Howard asked that the Council be kept up to date on the dissemination of information. MEMO 1/13/98 - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 JANUARY 12, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 163 PAGE 10