CHICAGO — A controversial new ordinance that would allow Chicago police to impose curfews with just 30 minutes’ notice could soon come to a vote in City Council, but the proposal has sparked confusion and concern — even among those it’s supposed to empower.
The so-called “snap curfew” proposal, spearheaded by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), would grant the police superintendent the authority to initiate a curfew anywhere in the city if groups of 20 or more minors appear poised to engage in criminal activity.
But just days ahead of the anticipated vote, top city officials — including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Police Superintendent Larry Snelling — have publicly disavowed the most controversial part of the measure: the 30-minute notice requirement.
Police Superintendent Rejects ‘Snap’ Provision
Superintendent Snelling delivered an unambiguous statement about the short-notice clause, saying he would “never use” such power and calling it “unfair to the youth who are already in that location.” He emphasized that police would only issue curfews with ample advance warning when credible threats like “teen takeovers” are detected well ahead of time.
“It’s not something I asked for or need,” Snelling said during a court hearing, contradicting the assumptions of some council members.
Mayor Johnson echoed the sentiment at a press conference, firmly stating,
“We didn’t ask for it. The superintendent didn’t ask for it. No one in my administration or my police department has asked for a curfew reduction.”
Even Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood said he wasn’t behind the 30-minute clause.
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Where Did the 30-Minute Timeline Come From?
The origin of the contentious provision remains murky. Hopkins said the concept was raised during a broad meeting involving himself, the mayor, city attorneys, and the Legislative Reference Bureau — but couldn’t recall who exactly introduced the 30-minute idea.
Despite Snelling’s disapproval, Hopkins has not yet ruled out keeping the provision. He floated the possibility of amending the ordinance to include a longer lead time for enforcement — possibly up to eight hours — but noted that the 30-minute minimum would still technically remain in the ordinance’s language.
Hopkins: ‘Not a Snap Decision’
Hopkins pushed back against the “snap” label, arguing that the process still requires police to gather intel on potential disturbances, consult with the Deputy Mayor, alert Chicago Public Schools, and issue social media notifications to give advance warning.
“It requires a series of criteria to determine that there is an event planned which will have a predominance of unaccompanied minors at a given location,” Hopkins said. “None of that can happen in the snap of a finger.”
He also stressed that the ordinance is not a blanket tool, but a targeted response mechanism.
Advocates Warn of Rights Violations
Youth advocates and civil liberties groups argue that even the potential for 30-minute curfews undermines constitutional protections. Critics fear that minors will be cited or detained without adequate notification, potentially exacerbating tensions between young residents and law enforcement.
They warn that implementation gaps — such as poor communication or misidentification — could lead to unjust curfew violations and due process concerns.
What Happens Next?
The City Council could vote as early as this week. If passed, the ordinance would expand the Chicago Police Department’s authority to declare curfews beyond the existing 10 p.m. cutoff for minors, though public trust in how that authority would be used remains in question.
The proposal is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing debate over public safety, civil rights, and youth policing in post-pandemic Chicago.
What Do You Think?
Should Chicago police be allowed to declare citywide curfews with just 30 minutes’ notice? Or does this raise too many concerns about youth rights and enforcement fairness? Join the conversation on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and share your view.
