School is out, curfews still in effect

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Yokota Air Base schools are out for the summer, but curfews for minors on base are still in effect.

Due to summer break, curfew hours have been extended to midnight to 5:30 a.m. for high school juniors and seniors, but original curfews, 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., remain in effect for all other school-age minors.

"I believe the curfew is a good thing for minors because it helps keep them out of trouble," said Master Sgt. Kevin Wolfe, 374th Airlift Wing chief executive services. "I also appreciate how they allowed for special considerations regarding the high school juniors and seniors by giving them shorter curfews."

Although some curfew times have changed, the general rules remain the same.

"During curfew hours minors are not authorized to be outside or in a vehicle," said Master Sgt. Gordon Smith, 374th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of police services. "Basically, minors are required be inside a house during these hours."

Minors are considered to be people 18 and younger, which includes spouses, but excludes graduates of an accredited high school.

"The purpose of the curfew is to maintain supervision and safety of minors and to keep them out of trouble at night," said Sergeant Smith. "However, not abiding by these rules will bring serious consequences."

Minors caught violating the curfew will be detained, brought to the security forces control center and a report will be processed on the individual.

Additionally, parents are advised to ensure strict compliance with this curfew as it is part of the Airlift Wing Instruction 31-201 which is available here.

"I don't think anything is wrong with the curfew," said Sergeant Wolfe. "A lot of youths would like to be outdoors at night but the curfew is in place to keep them and the community safe."

To help ensure the curfew is followed, security forces conduct community patrols.
If anyone suspects minors of violating curfew, they should report them to security forces at 225-7227.