Starting Monday, Police to Cite Students for Being Off Campus
Eager to reduce the city’s soaring school dropout rate and cut down on juvenile crime, Los Angeles officials Thursday praised a new citywide anti-truancy ordinance that takes effect Monday.
“We’ve got to stop the cycle of kids skipping classes,” Councilwoman Laura Chick said during a public awareness announcement at Canoga Park High School. “I believe this truancy ordinance will do exactly that.”
The ordinance, which was passed by the City Council in May, makes it unlawful for students younger than 18 to leave campuses on school days between 8:30 a.m and 1:30 p.m. without a valid excuse.
On Monday, officials said, Los Angeles police and Los Angeles Unified School District officers will begin issuing traffic citations if students are found loitering off campus.
Students receiving tickets must appear with a parent or guardian before a Traffic Court judge and could face up to $250 in fines, up to 20 hours of community service or suspended driving privileges, officials said.
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