Fight D.C. Teen-Crime Wave with Teen Work

A mandatory curfew. That’s the newest way in which Washington, D.C., is attempting to solve a troubling rise in crime, especially crime committed by teenagers. Since September 1, teenagers under 17 years old have been banned from leaving their homes between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in seven neighborhoods. Yet instead of essentially locking teens in their homes at night, the city should try a real solution: empowering teens to get jobs during the day.

D.C.’s leaders should look to New York City and Chicago for inspiration. Since 1963, the former has operated a “youth-employment program” that connects young people between ages 14 and 24 with jobs. Some 100,000 New Yorkers take part, with exceptional results. They’re up to 45 percent less likely to be arrested for violent crime and up to 35 percent less likely to be arraigned for violent or property crime compared with New York City teenagers not in the program. Mayor Eric Adams has called to expand the program to reach 250,000 young people.

NS

About the Author

Nick Stehle

Nick Stehle is the vice president of communications at the Foundation for Government Accountability.

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A mandatory curfew. That’s the newest way in which Washington, D.C., is attempting to solve a troubling rise in crime, especially crime committed by teenagers. Since September 1, teenagers under 17 years old have been banned from leaving their homes between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in seven neighborhoods. Yet instead of essentially locking teens in their homes at night, the city should try a real solution: empowering teens to get jobs during the day.

D.C.’s leaders should look to New York City and Chicago for inspiration. Since 1963, the former has operated a “youth-employment program” that connects young people between ages 14 and 24 with jobs. Some 100,000 New Yorkers take part, with exceptional results. They’re up to 45 percent less likely to be arrested for violent crime and up to 35 percent less likely to be arraigned for violent or property crime compared with New York City teenagers not in the program. Mayor Eric Adams has called to expand the program to reach 250,000 young people.