As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from
the context:
MINOR
Person under the age of 18 years of age.
PARENT
Any natural parent of a minor, as herein defined, or a guardian
or any adult person responsible for the care and custody of a minor.
"Parent" shall mean one or both parents.
PERMISSION LETTER
A letter from a parent certifying that a minor has permission
to be in a public place during prescribed hours and stating the place
or places at which the minor may be, the times and date permitted
at such place or places, and the reason for the minor's activity.
In cases of employment, such letter may be from the employer and,
in cases of school, church or community activities, from an authorized
representative of the organization sponsoring the activity.
PUBLIC PLACE
Any street, alley, highway, sidewalk, park, playground or
vacant lot or public or private parking lot to which the general public
has access for business, entertainment or other lawful purposes.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply:
A. To any minor accompanied by a parent.
B. To any minor possessing a permission letter.
C. To any minor whose lawful employment makes it necessary to be on
or in a public place, provided the minor has in possession a permission
letter.
D. To any minor traveling to and from a church, school or community
activity, provided the minor has in his possession a permission letter.
E. Any minor on an emergency errand.
It is unlawful for a parent of a minor to allow or permit such
minor to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 12-8-1997 by Ord. No. 1622]
Any minor found upon the streets, alleys or parks or in a public place within the City of Warren in violation of §
200-2 may be taken into custody by a police officer or other law enforcement official and be delivered to the minor's parent or other responsible adult. The parent or responsible adult and the minor shall be instructed by the officer on the provisions of this chapter, and a report shall be filed to document the violation. Upon the second offense, the parent shall be required to appear at the office of the Police Department along with the offender and be advised once again as to the provisions contained in this chapter and shall be given a copy of this chapter. Upon the third violation and all subsequent violations, the parent shall be issued a citation.
Any minor who shall violate this chapter may, at the discretion
of the Chief of Police or his designated agent, be reported to the
county agency or department the purpose of which is to take charge
of delinquent or dependent minors, and proceedings shall then be taken
in accordance with the policies of that agency or department. This
procedure may be taken after three violations or at such time as the
parent states a refusal or inability to comply with this chapter.
[Amended 12-8-1997 by Ord. No. 1622]
Police officers, in taking minors into custody, shall use their
discretion in determining age and, in doubtful cases, may require
positive proof of age. Until such proof is furnished, the officer's
judgment shall prevail.
[Amended 12-8-1997 by Ord. No. 1622]
Any parent of a minor who shall violate any provision of this
chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine
of not more than $600 plus costs and, in default of payment of said
fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each
day that a violation of this chapter continues shall constitute a
separate offense.