TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas J. Hewett, City Manager, ICMA-CM
FROM: Brook Redding, Senior Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: June 9, 2025
RE:
Title
Youth Protection Safety Ordinance - Implementation Strategy
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
ALL
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe and Secure Community - Ensure the safety and security of our residents and visitors through community partnerships, programs, and services.
Goal 4: Live, Work, and Recreate - Create a livable community that is responsive to the needs of residents and businesses.
Goal 6: Collaborative City Government - Work together to effectively and efficiently deliver city services and to advance the strategic plan.
Executive Summary:
On May 5, 2025, Council directed staff to return with an implementation strategy for a proposed Youth Protection Safety Ordinance and associated public safety initiatives. This memo presents the staff’s coordinated plan to implement the ordinance, enhance youth engagement, improve surveillance infrastructure, and develop policy tools for long-term enforcement and community support.
The Council’s actions included:
• Adoption of a one-year pilot curfew ordinance for minors 16 and under, modeled on Charlotte’s framework.
• Direction to develop youth programming and community engagement opportunities.
• Authorization to increase Crime Stoppers rewards.
• Request for a policy requiring clear bags and restricting masks at City-permitted special events.
• Evaluation of public safety surveillance technology upgrades.
City staff launched a cross-functional Task Force to design and coordinate the ordinance’s implementation. Key elements are addressed below, with remaining items returning to Council in Q1 FY26.
Background:
The ordinance establishes a curfew for individuals 16 and under from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with exemptions for work, emergencies, or supervised activities. The model is based on Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s ordinance, tailored to Fayetteville’s legal, operational, and community context.
Following Council direction, the City Manager’s Office formed a citywide Task Force with representatives from Police, Legal, OCS, ECD, Parks & Rec, IT, and nonprofit and intergovernmental partners, including DSS and DJJ.
The ordinance was formally adopted on May 27, 2025.
Issues/Analysis:
Police Department Implementation:
The Police Department has developed a full implementation plan including SOPs, supervisor guidance, and scenario-based training. DSS and DJJ provided feedback on intake processes, and the final workflow reflects coordination with all legal custodial partners.
Youth Engagement Events:
OCS and ECD are launching a summer engagement program with youth events in June, July, and August. Events will be held at city recreation centers and supported by nonprofits and mentors. Planning also includes coordination with PAL and other transportation partners.
Surveillance Infrastructure:
Council approved $1,610,470 during FY26 budget work sessions to expand PD’s surveillance systems. Upgrades include camera infrastructure and software enhancements.
Special Event Policy (Masks and Bags):
Staff have drafted a policy framework for Council consideration in Q1 FY26. Enforcement and infrastructure logistics are under assessment.
Crime Stoppers Reward Expansion:
City staff and PD are developing a formal recommendation for increasing Crime Stoppers reward payouts. The proposal, including funding source and administrative mechanism, will return to Council in a future work session.
Budget Impact:
|
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|
Youth Events (3 events, funded in OCS FY26 budget) |
$15,000 |
|
Surveillance Infrastructure (Added to the FY26 Budget) |
$1,610,470 |
Options:
• Accept the implementation strategy and provide feedback.
• Approve recommended youth programming.
• Direct staff to adjust elements based on Council input.
• Request staff return with updates following 90-day evaluation milestones at the Q1 FY26 public safety report.
Recommended Action:
That Council accept the Youth Protection Safety Ordinance implementation strategy as presented and authorize staff to proceed with program and enforcement planning, and youth engagement activities.
Attachments:
Youth Protection Safety Ordinance - Implementation Strategy Presentation.pdf