Warner Robins police chief urges parents to enforce summer curfew, department boosting patrols to deter youth crime

Police will step up overnight patrols while local groups launch arts, music and meal programs to give Middle Georgia teens safer options this summer.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With school out for summer, law enforcement and community leaders are warning that youth crime could increase across Middle Georgia as teens face more unsupervised free time.

Chief Fisher of the Warner Robins Police Department says this time of year—with summer break underway and many parents still working—kids have a lot of unstructured time.

“Kids will find the tendency to once the family settles down for the evening, to leave their residence while the parents believe the children are still at home,” he said. “But those children at that point is now engaging with their friends and peers in activities that are counterproductive to societal norms.”

The City of Warner Robins has a curfew from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“And again city parks have a long period of time to establish times of closing from dust until 5 in the morning,” he said.” So, we will have increased patrol coverage out into the areas, residential areas things of that nature in commercial districts.”

Andrea Cooke with Macon Mental Health Matters says Macon Mental Health and the South Bibb Recreation Center will also try their best to participate in keeping youth crime down.

“We are going to partner with people like the eric foundation who does arts and music, and then Wealth ASAP is also in the Booker T. Washington Center,” she said. “And they both plan to have programs for the youth. And we’re in talks with the Boys and Girls Club to provide some food assistance to make sure the children have something to eat at the center.”

Fisher also wants to remind parents that they are the adults and should make sure their kids know it.

“Even after hours take that spot check into that room, make sure your kids are there,” he said. “It is your home. Your children have to abide by your rules, and if they’re not, then address that situation in a matter that’s appropriate.”

Chief Fisher also advises parents to keep a close eye on their high school seniors during graduation celebrations.