READING, Pa. – The City of Reading announced it will be enforcing curfew for those under the age of 18 unless they’re with a parent or trusted adult.

The move comes after city officials spoke about how they’re trying to do their part to help keep young people safe.

Mayor Eddie Moran reiterated repeatedly Thursday at a City Hall news conference that the curfew is not a punishment but is meant to help kids and teens in Reading.

The curfew is from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. daily.

“Generally, when it’s nighttime, that’s when things kind of heat up and that’s what we’re trying to avoid. We’re trying to avoid these youth from getting in trouble,” said Reading Police Chief Elias Vazquez.

“Officers will begin with engagement and education,” said Moran. “We don’t want to tarnish the relationship we have been working hard [on] with our community and our youth.”

Moran says the city is also launching a working group to focus on shaping smarter youth safety policies and to support parents.

“Talk to your kids,” Moran advised. “Know where they are. Let them know there’s a curfew in place to protect them because you love them and because the community cares for them.”

Radarra Mclendon has worked with youth in Reading for years. She says she believes the city should start a community violence intervention program.

“That entails them hiring someone, going after more funding for someone to kind of oversee and connect all the dots and all the pieces together,” said Mclendon, the “Neighborhood Auntie”.

She says the problem stems from a multitude of issues and needs to be addressed at the root cause.

“I’m conflicted because of course, you know, we need to have structure and there needs to be someone that’s watching over the youth. But how is that done?” Mclendon asked. “You know, if it’s going to come with a fine or if it’s going to come with someone being detained, that’s not the right type of support that our community needs.”

Both sides discussed the need for more support for young people in the city.

“This is about taking responsibility, this is about a call out to our community,” said Moran.

Officials say the goal is not to cite kids, but citations ranging from $50 – $300 could be issued to repeat offenders for violating curfew.