CARMEL — Carmel is joining Indianapolis is issuing a night-time curfew.
It we be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Tuesday, until "further notice," said Mayor Jim Brainard.
The Indianapolis curfew began Sunday night and continued into Tuesday.
The Carmel curfew covers public streets and public places within city limits that are open to the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, plazas, parking lots, parking garages, and vacant lots.
Why Carmel? The Hamilton County city with a low crime rate has seen peaceful protests in reaction to the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Still, there is concern.
“We have received threats directed toward our community and we cannot ignore their implications. I appreciate the fact that the mayor is taking this matter with the attention necessary to better ensure the safety of our community,” said Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow.
“Setting this curfew at 9 p.m. gives our officers adequate time to ensure the curfew is being followed prior to nightfall, which makes for a safer transition. My number one priority will remain the safety of all in our community and I will do all I can to assist in that effort,” explained Mayor Brainard.
This curfew applies to all who may be moving about the city whether by vehicle, bike, scooter, on foot or any other means of moving from place to place. There are some exemptions to the curfew and those include:
- Law-enforcement, fire, medical, and other public safety personnel;
- Members of the news media;
- Federal, state, or local public officials doing work deemed necessary by the public agency that employs them;
- Persons traveling directly to or directly from work, seeking medical care, or fleeing from dangerous circumstances; and,
- Persons engaged in employment necessary to maintain a safe rail system, restore utility service, or provide other emergency public services.
