Before the curfew for minors is enforced again, the Laurel Police Department wants children and parents to know there are a few notable exceptions to the rule.

LPD Patrol Division Commander Capt. Tommy Cox said, “There is discretion involved in this. The ordinance is designed for kids who run the street unsupervised and are looking for trouble.”

According to the ordinance there are several acceptable reasons for minors to be out when the curfew is in effect:

— the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian

— a minor is on an errand for a parent or guardian and is directly en route

— a minor is legally employed and it is 45 minutes before or after the minor’s work time

— the minor is involved in an emergency situation

— the minor is directly returning from an official school, religious or other function that had adult supervision.

“Officers do make a judgment call,” Cox said. “A 12-, 13- or 14-year-old kid has no business being out at 2 a.m. in any city, not just Laurel.”

If someone under 18 is picked up when the curfew is in effect, Cox said the child is usually taken to the police department while a parent, guardian or close relative is contacted so the child can stay somewhere for the night.

Cox said in the event no one can be contacted to take the child, the police will contact youth court and detain the child for the night. Curfew hours in Laurel are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.