Teen curfew in Newark, New Jersey set to begin on Friday [Video]

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) — A controversial new curfew in Newark goes into effect on Friday to keep kids off the streets overnight.

Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé announced that beginning Friday, Newark Police will launch its Juvenile Safety Initiative.

That means kids need to remain within 100 yards of their homes between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

After the first violation, the minor will get a verbal warning and be taken home. After more violations, the child can be taken to a youth crisis facility and be released to a guardian.

An even stiffer penalty is that parents can be reported to Children and Family Services.

Studies have been conducted over the years that say youth curfews have little to no effect on crime and harm prevention.

However, Ameer Washington is the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and he says curfews work.

“This isn’t a new …