Dolton Imposes 9 p.m. Curfew Amid Teen Takeover Concerns

Dolton Village Board members voted on Monday to establish a curfew beginning at 9 p.m. This decision follows reports from police of five large youth gatherings, sometimes referred to as teen takeovers, occurring in the village over the summer. Police Chief Jeffrey Chapman explained that officers have been investigating the teenagers involved by questioning those arrested for curfew violations or other crimes.

Even though no major incidents have been directly linked to these gatherings, there was a case where shots were fired near officers and an assault rifle was recovered from a teenager. Chief Chapman stated, “There is no effective one strategy to handle these teen takeovers.” The gatherings have involved between 300 and 600 youths, and managing these situations has proven challenging for officers operating along Sibley Boulevard and through residential neighborhoods.

Previously, Dolton enforced curfew hours for minors from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The new curfew, effective immediately, restricts those under 18 from being without adult supervision from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, weekends included. The village has introduced fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 for curfew violations.

Mayor Jason House commended Chapman and other police officers for their efforts to manage the teen takeovers. He believes the curfew change and penalties will give law enforcement additional tools to handle these situations and to mitigate the presence of undesirable individuals in the community. “It’ll be up to the chief’s discretion on what level of strict enforcement will be done versus passive,” House said, emphasizing the new rules as a support mechanism for officers.

The Village Board unanimously approved the measure with a 7-0 vote. Speaking at a Village Board meeting on August 3, 2026, Mayor House highlighted the board’s commitment to community safety.

In Chicago, officials remain divided on managing teen takeovers. Flossmoor, Posen, Orland Park, and other areas have tried to formulate protocols for such gatherings. The Blue Island City Council recently passed an ordinance holding parents financially accountable for damages related to teen takeovers. This ordinance addresses the responsibilities of parent or guardians in preventing ordinance violations and other intentional acts by minors.

Chicago leaders are examining alternative solutions, including job schemes, improved social media oversight, city-sponsored events, snap curfews, and parental responsibility laws. Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed job opportunities and free YMCA memberships for local youths aged 12 to 18 as a strategy to engage them constructively.

According to Chapman, eight teen takeovers were planned in Dolton this year, with five taking place. Police and Dolton Park District officials have warned citizens about the risks and potential repercussions of participating in such events. Hazel Crest police adopted a different strategy during a large graduation party on June 1, emphasizing their role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable time rather than being seen as authorities. “The young people that chose to have a peaceful gathering that allowed them to have safe fun should be commended,” stated a news release.

However, in Dolton, police noted that many teenagers participating in gatherings are local residents. Chapman mentioned that out of the teenagers encountered for citations or violations, only two were Dolton residents. “So it’s very apparent our Dolton kids got something to do other than teen takeovers,” he said, pointing out the limited involvement of local youth in problematic gatherings.