Juvenile curfew effects on criminal behavior and victimization: a Campbell Collaboration systematic review

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of juvenile curfews in reducing criminal behavior and victimization among youth. Methods To be eligible, a study must have tested the effect of an official juvenile curfew ordinance instituted as a general preventive measure directed at all youth within a certain age range. All quantitative research designs that assessed the effect of the curfew on criminal behavior or victimization were eligible with the exception of simple pre–post designs with only a single crime rate pre and post the start of the curfew ordinance. To accommodate design differences, the effect size used in this synthesis was the percent change in the crime or victimization rate during the period of time with a curfew relative to a baseline period, adjusting for any linear time trend. The systematic search was conducted between January 20, 2014 and March 5, 2014. Thirteen documents representing ten unique studies were eligible and coded. Results The pattern of evidence suggests that juvenile curfews are ineffective at reducing crime and victimization. The mean effect size for juvenile crime during curfew hours was slightly positive (reflecting a slight increase in crime), whereas it was essentially zero for crime during all hours. Similarly, juvenile victimization also appeared unaffected by the imposition of a curfew ordinance.