Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune is taking proactive steps to address what she describes as a growing issue of youth violence, which she believes is affecting not only her coastal city but communities across the nation. During a city council meeting on Tuesday, Bethune emphasized the need for action, stating, “Juvenile violence is on the uptick. And it’s happening here just as it is everywhere.” To combat the issue, the city council approved a new youth curfew for certain areas of downtown Myrtle Beach, including Ocean Boulevard, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Curfew Implementation
The decision to enforce the curfew is part of the city’s broader effort to enhance safety. The curfew applies to minors during late-night hours and aims to reduce incidents of juvenile crime in areas where youth violence has been a concern. Mayor Bethune and city officials have pointed to the rise in youth violence as a reason for the new measure, and they are taking steps to ensure that Myrtle Beach remains a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
National Context of Youth Violence
However, questions have arisen regarding the actual scope of the problem. On Wednesday, News13 asked city leaders for more detailed information to support claims of increasing youth violence, especially in light of a recent Department of Justice report that highlighted a general decline in violent crime across the United States. Additionally, a 2022 Council on Criminal Justice report indicated that juvenile offenses, in general, had decreased, except for incidents involving firearms, which saw a 21% increase from 2016 to 2022.
Despite the national decline in juvenile offenses, Mayor Bethune and city spokeswoman Meredith Denari said they have been in communication with police departments in other cities facing similar concerns, such as Charleston, South Carolina, and Panama City, Florida. Both cities have curfews in place, though no specific details about the discussions were shared.
Similar Issues in Nearby Cities
The Charleston Police Department reported 16 juvenile arrests between January 2024 and June 16, during curfew hours in designated zones. This suggests that while Myrtle Beach may not be alone in facing youth-related issues, the overall trends across various cities show that curfews and other measures are being used as tools to combat juvenile crime.
While the new curfew in Myrtle Beach is part of a local response to a perceived uptick in youth violence, there is still ongoing debate about the true extent of the problem. With data suggesting a nationwide decline in juvenile offenses, the focus may shift to finding balanced and effective solutions that address the rise in firearm-related incidents among young people while preserving community safety.
