Police Enforce Curfew in Wake of Flash Mobs

In the wake of last Friday's incident in Center City, the Philadelphia Police Department is increasing their effort in the fight against flash mobs.

There was an increased police presence in Center City on Friday night which will continue throughout the weekend.

Mayor Michael Nutter made the following statement in a press release on Friday.

Starting this afternoon and continuing through this weekend, there will be a visible, increased police presence in Center City.
To the few who think they can get away with acting violently and disrespecting our city, you will be caught, and there are serious consequences. This weekend, the Philadelphia Police Department will strictly enforce the city’s current curfew law, which states that children under the age of 13 must be home by 10:00 p.m., and young people between the ages of 13 and 18 must be home by 12:00 a.m. There are penalties for minors and for parents who ignore this curfew.
I want to strongly encourage parents and guardians to be vigilant and to look out for their children this weekend. There is no excuse for young people to be able to participate in coordinated, violent behavior if parents are doing their job. It is your responsibility, not the government’s, to watch your kids.
Also this weekend, if you see citizens throughout Center City wearing “iPledge” t-shirts, know that they are community leaders who have given their time to help ensure the safety of our city. They have stepped up and are invaluable partners with the city in our holistic response to fight violence.
I would like to thank these community leaders, the business community and the many residents across the city who have offered their help in overcoming violence. Especially, I would like to thank those who have stepped up and registered with the Police Department’s new SafeCam initiative, which allows residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the City. Business owners and residents can visit https://safecam.phillypolice.com/ to join this program.
Center City remains the most dynamic, fun downtown in America, and I encourage all Philadelphia to go out this weekend, visit our restaurants and enjoy the nightlife.

Many residents believe that extreme action is necessary.

"The children have gotten out of hand down town," said Laveana McCoy who works in Center City. "The cops need to be back on the streets."

"These are people who just decide on their own to go downtown,' said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "You have the right to go downtown if that's what you want to do. It's the behavior once they get downtown on the part of some that's the problem."