Detroit City Council has voted to increase fines on parents whose children violate the city’s long-standing juvenile curfew law — a move described by officials as a necessary step toward safety and accountability. The ordinance update, passed this week, marks the first change to the city’s curfew penalties in decades. But as the city intensifies efforts to reduce youth violence, the decision has stirred questions among community members about whether economic punishment will drive the outcomes city officials say they want.

First-time curfew violations will now result in a $250 fine, while second-time offenses will carry a $500 penalty. The council also eliminated jail time as a sentencing option for parents of repeat offenders. That change was welcomed by Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettiso

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