QUEEN CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — Queen Creek police arrested two dozen juveniles in about two weeks while school was out this month.
From March 7 through March 22, the department received 51 calls for service related to minors. The disturbances included curfew violations, reckless e-bike use, ongoing disruptions, and unlawful flight.
In a social media post with body camera video, officers said, “We can’t police our way out of this. Parents and guardians must play a key role in setting expectations and holding their kids accountable.”
Child safety advocate Katey McPherson said she has seen similar issues firsthand.
“I have four teenagers. It’s not easy to entertain them. It takes money sometimes to entertain them. They say they’re bored a lot. It’s hot outside. Like I get it as a parent, but specifically, even in my neighborhood, we have had some destruction of properties, some vandalism,” McPherson said. “We even have kids brazen enough to run up to doors and damage garages, damage doors. They even took dog waste and dumped it into the courtyard of a neighbor of mine.”
Queen Creek has a curfew. Children 15 and younger can’t be out of the house between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent present.
Gilbert has a similar ordinance.
McPherson said mental health issues and boredom spike during breaks from school.
“In the last five years, the boredom has turned destructive,” she said. “Post-COVID, all of the data showed these kids are going to be more aggressive, more assertive and more destructive. So we’ve known that. We’re still playing catch up on what to do about it.”
Glendale, Tempe, and Scottsdale police said they are not aware of an increase in arrests of teens during spring break this year. Arizona’s Family is waiting to hear back from other Valley police departments.
McPherson said parents need to pay attention and find productive ways to keep their children entertained so that boredom does not become dangerous or criminal activity. She said it is vital parents know where their kids are and suggests using apps like Find My Friends or Life360 to keep a close eye on them while still allowing some freedom.
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