Columbia curfew considered to help prevent youth violence, but no ‘serious’ discussions yet
Mitchell Kaminski
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia leaders have discussed the possibility of implementing a juvenile curfew as part of ongoing efforts to address youth violence, though city officials say no formal proposals have been made.
“We’ve been talking with some people in the community about the possibility of having a curfew, and especially in some areas where there are high levels of trouble. But that’s an ongoing conversation,” Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said.
The discussions come as violent crime is down in Columbia through the first six months of the year. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, Columbia Police have reported 186 violent crimes so far in 2025 — on pace to fall below the 470 reported in 2024. Gun-related violent crimes have been cut nearly in half compared to the same period last year, with 69 so far in 2025 compared to 112 through June 2024.
Through the first six months of this year, there have been two murder cases cleared compared to 10 at the same point in 2024. Nonfatal gun-related crimes have declined as well, falling from 339 total in 2024 to 131 so far this year.
“I wouldn’t really say it’s a dangerous area,” Seth Thomas, a Columbia resident, said.
While curfews are often considered as a tool to reduce juvenile crime, research on their effectiveness is inconclusive. A 2016 study from the National Library of Medicine found that some juvenile curfew laws were associated with reductions in youth victimization and crime, but the report emphasized that more research is needed.
Conversely, a 2016 analysis by the Campbell Collaboration, a nonprofit criminal justice research group, concluded that curfews do not reduce crime or victimization. Columbia City Council members say no formal curfew proposal is under consideration.
“As best I know there is no discussion about curfews,” Ward 6 Councilwoman Betsy Peters wrote in an email. “There is always conversation looking at what other cities are doing and what we might be able to do in Columbia. But no serious discussion that I know of regarding curfews.”
Ward 5 Councilman Don Waterman said safety remains a top priority for city leaders, but said more details — such as curfew hours and age restrictions — would be needed before he could support the idea.
“As far as priorities go, safety is still one of our top priorities,” Waterman said. “We’re getting close to filling all the authorized positions on the police department. I think the investments that we’ve made with the flock [camera system] and the NIMB system, from what I am hearing anecdotally, are beginning to help the police.”
Residents are split on whether a curfew is needed.
“I feel very safe. People are very friendly so it’s definitely a good environment,” Columbia resident Brian Consiglio said. “I think as long as people are having fun they should be allowed to stay out as long as they want.”
Boone County resident Jack Thompson suggested that if there is a curfew, it should be closer to bar closing hours.
“1 or 2 [a.m.],” Thompson said when asked what an ideal curfew time would be. “Cause everybody is leaving the bars then.”
City officials said conversations about additional violence-prevention measures, including curfews, remain in the early stages as Columbia’s Office of Violence Prevention and its advisory committee continue reviewing strategies to keep crime trending downward.