Spring Break has kicked off and the Gilbert Police Department would like to share some important safety tips, whether families are traveling or spending their vacation at home.

Over the next few weeks, the Gilbert Police Department will conduct enhanced patrols in areas expected to see an increase in foot traffic, especially in locations frequented by youth, to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for everyone.

Youth safety

Stay Connected: Parents should make sure they know the location of their teen, who they are with, and what they are doing at all times.

Have a Conversation: Parents should talk to their teen about the importance of reporting any safety concerns to police.

Report, Don’t Repost: Urge teens to report any acts of violence immediately to police instead of sharing it on social media.

The Gilbert Police Department seeks the community's help in reporting any information regarding crimes or activities that could jeopardize the safety of our young people, including underage drinking, drug use, or acts of violence. 

Gilbert’s curfew ordinance for minors

• It is unlawful for any minor under the age of 16 years to be in, about, or upon any place in the town away from the property where the youth resides between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day.
• It is unlawful for any minor 16 years of age or older and under the age of 18 years, to be in, about, or upon any place in the town away from the property where the child resides between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.
• It is unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control, allow a minor to violate the curfew ordinance.
• It is unlawful for a parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody or supervision of the minor to fail or refuse to take custody of the minor after such demand is made upon him by a law enforcement officer who arrests the minor for violation of the curfew ordinance.

 Exceptions to Gilbert’s curfew ordinance 

• The minor is accompanied by their parent or guardian;
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, in an employment activity or going to or returning home from an employment activity without any detour or stop by the most direct route;
• Involved in an emergency;
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian was engaged in reasonable, legitimate, and specific business and/or activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, a juvenile with prior permission of the parent or guardian, attending an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults who take responsibility for the minor, or going to or returning home from an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults who take responsibility for the minor'
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, engaged in a reasonable and legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution;
• Married and 16 years of age or over, or in the military;
• On the sidewalk abutting their residence or in the next-door neighbor's property with the consent of the neighbor.

Unruly gatherings

An unruly gathering means a party, gathering, or event on any public or private property, including property used to conduct business, in a manner which causes a disturbance of the reasonable enjoyment of private or public property by any person or persons.

Under the ordinance, responsible person(s) could be a property owner, landlord, tenant, or any sponsor. If the person is under age 18, the responsible persons would also include their parents or guardians. An owner, landlord, or tenant would not be liable unless they were present, had knowledge of the gathering, or an unlawful gathering had taken place on their property within the prior 180 days.

Penalties for unruly gatherings 

•  A civil violation with a penalty fine between $500 and $2,500;
• Habitual offenders within an 18-month period will face a Class 1 misdemeanor;
• A responsible party would also be liable for the actual costs incurred by the town in responding to the gathering.

Roadway Safety

Electric bicycles and motor-driven cycle safety

• Electric bicycles are bicycles or tricycles that are equipped with fully operable pedals, an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, wheels at least 16 inches in diameter, and cannot exceed 20 or 28 MPH depending on class of electric bicycle. If the device complies with those definitions and requirements, riders of electric bicycles are still required to follow all laws applicable to non-electric bicycles under Arizona law and town ordinances.
• If the device does not comply with those definitions and requirements, such as not having pedals or a wheel that is at least sixteen inches in diameter, the device would be either a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, depending on horsepower.
• Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles require the rider to have an Arizona driver’s license with a class "M" endorsement. The motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be insured and registered with MVD, and must display an ADOT-provided license plate.
• If the rider of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is under 18 years of age, they are also required to wear eye protection and a helmet

Safety reminders for drivers

•  Always look twice for motorcyclists and if you’re out riding, take steps to remain visible to other drivers;
• Make sure the roadway is completely clear of any vehicles before turning left or merging into another lane;
• Follow the posted speed limit;
• Minimize distractions — don’t text and drive;
• Wear your seatbelt;
• Don’t drink and drive.

Before heading out on a road trip

• Inspect the vehicle before any long drives and ensure the tires are properly inflated;
• Make sure all vehicle occupants are properly secured and wearing their seatbelt;
• Pack an emergency kit that includes snacks and water and other essentials such as jumper cables, a reflective vest, and a tire repair kit;
• Lock the vehicle at all times and bring any valuables such as purses, backpacks, or items like laptops or firearms indoors with you.