Strictest Curfew in U.S. Takes Effect in Baltimore

Baltimore's controversial curfew law, the strictest in the nation, took effect Friday night with the aim of protecting children.

Image: Police patrol a residential neighborhood in east Baltimore minutes after a curfew law took effect in Baltimore

Police patrol a residential neighborhood in east Baltimore minutes after a curfew law took effect in Baltimore on Aug. 8, 2014. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the measure was aimed at getting children off the streets before they were put in danger. JAMES LAWLER DUGGAN / Reuters

Aug. 9, 2014, 2:14 PM UTC / Updated Aug. 9, 2014, 4:51 PM UTC

Baltimore's controversial curfew law, the strictest in the nation, took effect Friday night with the aim of protecting children. The curfew requires those 13 and younger to be indoors by 9. Those 14 to 16 can stay out until 10 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. over the summer and on weekends.

ABOVE: Police patrol a residential neighborhood in east Baltimore minutes after the curfew law took effect.

Image: A police officer stands at the door of a community recreation center during a curfew law in Baltimore — A police officer stands at the door of a community recreation center in east Baltimore, which is being re-purposed as a curfew center for unsupervised children, minutes after a curfew law took effect in Baltimore on Aug. 8. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the measure was aimed at getting children off the streets before they were put in danger.JAMES LAWLER DUGGAN / Reuters