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Survey Results
The summer of 2005 was a time of rising vandalism, drug dealing,
mischief and other crimes in Downtown Doylestown. The cost to the
borough exceeded $40,000 in repairs and overtime for police.
There have also been numerous reports from citizens about the
behavior of the teens, many of them teens from other towns, including rudeness,
speeding, blocking business entrances, and many other complaints.
Information on these problems, links to newspaper articles, and the
survey form itself can be found here.
| Suggestion |
Strongly
Agree |
Agree |
No
Opinion |
Disagree |
Strongly
Disagree |
| Curfew |
70 |
18 |
4 |
8 |
17 |
| Comments |
I grew up in Doylestown, lived in center city Philadelphia for 20 years, and moved back here 6 years ago. Doylestown is worse than when South St. had a problem with teens. Enforce the curfew, enforce a limit on the number of teens congregating in packs, put up 'no loitering' signs, enforce the laws and financially punish the parents with fines for any violations. These teenagers are not patrons of any businesses or restaurants, they are scaring customers away. I live in the boro, in the past three years it has really gone down hill. Before I used to enjoy walking to town to eat dinner and shop. I don't anymore because I don't want the hassle of pushing through the gangs of teens blocking the sidewalks. (03/04/06)
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I DO agree that a curfew is a great idea! The only thing that happens after 10:00PM is TROUBLE. I can't even believe some of these parents that are arguing about a curfew. Do they even know where their children are, who they are with or what they are doing? I can only speak about our own children (ages 11, 16 and 21)but under 12 they don't even go up town alone and between 12 and 18 there is a curfew in our house of 10:00PM. We know where are children are, who they are with, we always offer to drop off and pick up our children and their friends. We have a very open relationship and they know good or bad they can always call home to Mom and Dad. We would not have it any other way! I think that the exceptions that the Borough was making for begin out past curfew were very acceptable. As long as a child has a legitimate reason for begin out and can back it (note, job, etc....) there is nothing unfair about it! (02/22/06)
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Unlike the teens who spoke against the curfew, most of the "good teens" would be unaffected by the curfew since they and their parents already have established familial curfews that are much earlier than those proposed. (02/14/06)
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This is no need for these young people to be on the streets at late hours, if there parents cannot enforce some type of a decent curfew then we have to do it for them - we need to keep our young people safe. (02/13/06)
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Of course, most teens will disagree with any limits imposed on them just like they do at home. This curfew is necessary and totally reasonable. No 14, 15, 16 year old has any business being out in town past 10:30 or 11:30 pm anyway if not with a parent. Most of the good teens won't be affected by the curfew because they have familial curfews that they adhere to. My teen isn't allowed to be in "town" past nine. (02/13/06)
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Parents complain their children do not have any place to interact with their peers, why can't the parents arrange the meeting in their own homes, keeping them safe and away from drugs. (02/12/06)
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Curfew should be set, because we are getting alot of kids that do not live in town. If they are coming from other towns, then a curfew to ensure the safty of our town is need! Also to insure our own liberty, the curfew should be from 18 years old and younger. (02/12/06)
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As a teenager I have a pretty good idea of what my peers are capable of. I also know that most of us have a sense of pride for the town we live in. Majority of these vandilism crimes aren't carried out by teenagers who live in the Doylestown Borough. Doylestown is being treated as a childcare facility. Parents from neighboring towns drop their kids off in the center of Doylestown and tell them to keep themselves busy for a few hours. As much as that bugs a lot of people, it is their right to do that if they want. I think a curfew might help that problem, but what I think would help more would be more parent interaction. If parents were notified about their children's actions I think Doylestown wouldn't have such a problem. (02/11/06)
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much needed (02/11/06)
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I have mixed feelings about the curfew but lean towards enacting one.A lot of mischief can happen in broad daylight as well as into the evening priopr to the curfew time. I feel that it would do little to deter the vandalism. Unfortunatley it also does little to stop problem of the large groups that congregate on the sidewalks(public property) and steps and doorways of downtown merchants(private property). Perhaps it would however limit the amount of time that the Boro has to babysit these kids. I am astounded that there are parents out there that permit their children to idelly "hang" in town, particularly with the amount of trouble there has been in the past year. Its one thing for kids to come into town to enjoy what the boro has to offer but to just "hang" is another matter.I would also like to see restrictions on the number of people allowed to congregate in one area at a time. (02/10/06)
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I don't think we would need a curfew if enforcement was tougher. (02/10/06)
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Are the vandalism problems taking place after 11:30 at night? We keep hearing about vandalism "in broad daylight." Curfew will not necessarily have much of an impact. It will keep teens off the streets late at night....Isn't this the parents job, though? If a curfew is put in place, it should be one time and that time should be 11pm. No one under 18 should be "hanging out" on the streets of Doylestown after 11pm ANY day of the week. Different times for different ages different days of the week is rediculous and a waste of the police officer's time! (02/09/06)
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the problem is not the teens hanging around sidewalks but the drug dealers and vandalzers who are older and come in from other towns besides doylestowns. why should we be punished for ths when were simply socializing. (02/09/06)
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If the young person does not know when they should be home, parents are to blame. Responsible parents will ensure their kid is at home by a given time. (02/03/06)
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Definitely worth a try, but we can expect a lot of complaints (mostly from those who are part of the problem) (02/01/06)
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The times suggested seem reasonable, and I think we should try it out to see if it works (02/01/06)
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I think this will eliminate the problem for the most part - I do not understand why there is not one in place already. These kids need rules! (01/31/06)
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Is this legal? The curfew will not change behavoir, the kids will certainly disperse in other areas. (01/30/06)
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fine with this approach - see how it works - if it does, then all of the other suggestions may not be necessary (01/21/06)
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Parents, not towns, should set and enforce curfew for their children. I have never been bothered by any teens in town. I have been very much bothered by drunk adults from the Amber Inn- they have cursed,threatened each other fought, damaged property, and dealt drugs outside my window on Shewell Avenue. (01/19/06)
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I think this has the best effect on late-night vandalism (01/16/06)
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|
| Surveillance Cameras |
53 |
25 |
14 |
9 |
15 |
| Comments |
Big Brother (03/08/06)
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Wouldn't hurt in the areas of concern only! (02/22/06)
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Let's just get on thing straight here. These are kids we're talking about here. Kids in Doylestown. Not Downtown Philly. Taxes are high enough in this area without hiking them up with a "surveillance camera" budget. (02/15/06)
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There's no expectation of privacy in a public space. I want these parks and beautiful public spaces to be around to be enjoyed by my young children. My teen doesn't have a problem with this either, he thinks it's about time that the vandals get caught and are punished. (02/14/06)
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The police officers are overworked and there aren't enough on duty at one time they need this device to help them in patrolling (02/13/06)
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Cameras at CB West were what helped identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the vicious assault/attack on CB West students in the CB West parking lot by criminals from North Penn. Why would any parent, teen complain about having surveillance cameras at "vandalism" hotspots in town? If you patronize Wawa, shop at Acme, Genuardis, use a bank, go the Mall, use the post office - you're being filmed by a surveillance camera anyway. Our law enforcement needs these tools to protect our citizens, prevent further crime, and identify criminals. (02/13/06)
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This would help identify those responsible for any damage that occurs. parents should be held responsible for their actions. (02/12/06)
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Will this be a live feed, or tape, or both? Also since we are getting more kids from out of town, will Doylestown be the only town to kick up money or will other towns put up money? (02/12/06)
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A MUST! particularly in the areas of the previously beautiful boro parks that have been so badly abused. I work in the vicinity of the the park behind the historical society and constantly see teens (shortly after school dismissal time - not to mention well into the night)in there smoking. The first item listed on the sign with the regulations is NO SMOKING. I would find it equally upsetting to see adults in there smoking but the fact is the problem is primarily the teens. There must be 400 cigarette butts on the ground in that park. If there were a $25. fine per offense imposed the boro could re-coop a good sum of the money that they have spent in trying to get a handle on this entire situation. (02/10/06)
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A costly solution again if enforcement was touher there may not be as big of a need. (02/10/06)
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Camera's are everywhere these days...if they can do something to cut back on vandalism, drug use and/or drug sales, violence, etc. in public parks, then it should be considered. (02/09/06)
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Not necesarry or cost efficient for downtown, plus they infringe on our privacy. (02/09/06)
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As a resident I think this is by far is the best option. This will allow law enforcement to see who is doing what. Costly, but worth it! (02/03/06)
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only in park next to historical society building (02/01/06)
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I worry about the loss of privacy. I feel I've got nothing to hide, but I fear where this surveillance might end up. (02/01/06)
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Seems the cameras would become the target of the vandalism. (01/30/06)
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I'm sure there are only a few youths who are causing all the trouble - let's find the perpetrators, remove them from our streets and teach them how to behave in public - that in the long run benefits everyone. (01/29/06)
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not too sure if the problem is big enough to justify the expense and the long & drawn out discussion on privacy... (01/21/06)
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They should only be placed in areas where there have been repeated past incidents. (01/19/06)
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If they can be hidden and protected (01/16/06)
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|
| Volunteer Watch Group |
59 |
22 |
13 |
8 |
10 |
| Comments |
would have to be carefully picked to
prevent abuse of power (03/08/06)
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Don't know if there would be enough people that would commit to this. (02/22/06)
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Sad that because so many parents won't supervise or otherwise provide a home to host their teens and their friends, the public has to babysit the unruly and disrespectful bad apples that invade our town. The good kids aren't allowed to be out that late and already know how to comport themselves in public. (02/14/06)
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All I want is for these teens to learn what obviously was not taught at home, that is, when in public, profanity is not acceptable, littering is not acceptable, blocking public sidewalks is not acceptable, underage drinking is both illegal and unacceptable, teen smoking is unacceptable, vandalism is wrong. I want my younger children to still enjoy the parks in town. I hate going there and seeing disgusting debris. I've had to take my younger ones elsewhere. A smoking ban at public playgrounds is in order. (02/13/06)
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Parents could take on the responsibility of watching their children. (02/12/06)
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It's a good idea, but I'm not sure if these groups will not get a little power mad and make more trouble then they are worth (02/12/06)
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Sign me up -a sucessful tactic used in many communities. (02/10/06)
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A volunteer watch group of adults and young adults who have been "trained" and selected very carefully should be considered. Having strolling responsible adults and teens on the streets protecting our community and its young people should be considered a good thing. The people of the community should come out and help the police protect the members of the community. We can all help take care of each other... (02/09/06)
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Might help stop some crime where cops aren't. (02/09/06)
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No, No, No and No.!!!!
This will attract too many "have a go heroes/heroines". I would seriously want to look at anyones sanity if they volunteered. (02/03/06)
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I think this is an excellent suggestion, as long as the watchers are well trained, don't try to do any police work themselves, and are protected from retribution (particularly if teens are part of the group) (02/01/06)
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Agree...but they need at least some training/guidelines for their own sake and for the sake of the officers who may get in between overzealous volunteers. (01/30/06)
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THE NEED FOR MORE POLICE PRESENCE WOULD HELP MORE THAN A WATCH GROUP! (01/29/06)
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Unruly teens are not the only threat in Downtown Doylestown, there are illegal immigrants working and being housed in the Boro. We don't know who they are or what their criminal histories are. They too are a threat to our community's safety. They and their employers have already violated the law. (01/29/06)
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whoever is a part of this group needs to understand that this is not a position of power - they are just volunteers. (01/21/06)
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This could be positive, as long as the group was welcoming to people of all types, ages, etc. We should not discriminate against people based on the way they look or factors they can not change (age). It is disruptive behavior that is the problem, not any one group of individuals. (01/19/06)
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| Tougher Enforcement |
81 |
12 |
11 |
5 |
7 |
| Comments |
make sure the kids actually responsible are being targeted, not general youth harrassment (03/08/06)
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Three years ago, there was an ordinance with restrictions on the number of teens that could congregate(I think it was 5). It seemed to be working, what happened? Put these rules back into effect and enforce them. I live in the boro and I think the Police are bending over backwards too much for these loitering teenagers (and their parents)when most of these teens are from outside the boro. These 'drop and drive-off' parents aren't even patronizing the local boro businesses. And if I hear one more teen say 'we have rights too' or 'we are being picked on' or 'we have no place to hang out'... Puh-leeze! Teens don't pay taxes and yes, you are being picked on because you have chosen, by your behavior, to become a problem. A nuisance problem, ruining the quality of life in our community. There is a teen center, it was put togethe based on teen requests for a place to hang out... They wanted it, we built it, they decide it's not cool. I remember one kid was quoted in the paper saying the teen center [wasn't conveniently located...], the 15 year old was from out of town. Hmmm, his mom couldn't drive a couple blocks more to drop him off at the teen center instead of the center of town? Why don't these teens and their parents get together for some family time in their own homes. I don't think our Police force should be babysitting. Give them the tools and ordinances to do their real jobs. $40000 is too much money to be wasted on babysitting kids from out of town. (03/04/06)
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On the edge for this one! Although a child should have a curfew does not mean they can not be kids. We were all kids once and some of the minor issues that go on now are really blown out of prospective. My gosh the police want to put these kids in jail and throw away the key for everything. Remember everyone of us were kids once! Trial and error, live and learn, second chances! All kids are good kids they just need a lot of unconditional LOVE! (02/22/06)
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Without meaningful enforcement, parents and their unruly teens won't be deterred. Doylestown shouldn't continue to be the dumping ground for teens from other towns. Where are those parents????????????? (02/14/06)
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If we punished the parents with some type of a financial fine (if the kids are doing something disctuctive) then maybe some of these parnets would take a little more interest in there kids lives!! (02/13/06)
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What is with the teens that hang-out in town immediately after school on weekdays and long after? Don't they have homework, don't they go home to have dinner, don't they engage in sports, Scouts, volunteer activities? The "good kids" don't have time to "hang out" in town after school, they have better things to do. (02/13/06)
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as per above, the children causing the damage would responsible as well as the parents. (02/12/06)
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Great idea, Doylestown needs a more visable police presents, on weekends and after school. (02/12/06)
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kids are mob rule ...... town is mess (02/11/06)
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Kudos! (02/10/06)
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If, the curfew is not accomplished I feel a ordinance of no more than six or eight teens in a group at a time. This could also be in conjunction with a full curfew. We must take back the center of town and our streets. I am a business owner and property owner so I am very concerned. (02/10/06)
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if the enforcement were tougher there would be no need for the first three (02/10/06)
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Tougher enforcement in a consistent and respectful manner...I support....both ways...teens (and adults) ought to respect the police AND the police need to respect all members of the community...it goes both ways. (02/09/06)
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To the person who thinks it is wrong for 14 year olds to smoke in public. I do not support smoking but what about the adults who smoke. They drive down our roads dropping ciggarette butts all over the place. Why doesn't a 14 year old have the same "inalienable rights" as a 30, 40, or 80 year old person. People care more if a kid does something than if an adult does it. What about the adults who are drunk and drive drunk, they have not been targeted as much as teens. (02/09/06)
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Teenagers don't have a place to go but that doesn't give them freedom to be destructive. Full punishment should be given to any teenager caught doing vandalism. (02/08/06)
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I hope that any officer would stop any wrong doing when he or she, see's it, as the law stands. Make the laws before calling for 'tougher enforcement' (02/03/06)
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Also, why can't the police do something about all the 14 year olds that smoke in public? They drop their cigarette butts all over the place. It's illegal for them to buy cigarettes, why can they smoke in public? (02/01/06)
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This is a no-brainer, especially drugs and speeding (02/01/06)
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Enforcement of a curfew. (01/31/06)
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Agree...just make sure the problem doesn't spread around town. (01/30/06)
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There are many of the "good kids" who don't like to come into town anymore because they don't want to be seen with the "bad element" or are also intimidated by them. There are many "good teens" who go to town to patronize coffee/ice cream shops, etc. They also are not the ones "vandalizing" Doylestown. I know many of the "good teens" who are resentful of the "bad apples" especially those from other towns who come to Doylestown and wreak havoc on the town and businesses. Not only should a letter be sent to the parents of kids caught but those kids and their parents should foot the bill for the damages caused. Why not print a friendly notice in the Intell from the Borough welcoming visitors and also instituting a friendly-sounding Code of Conduct (since obviously, many of these teens were not taught this by their parents) when visiting Downtown Doylestown. Perhaps such a "Code" could be printed and distributed by CBHCT, the schools, Scout groups, Boro website, etc. Just a thought. (01/29/06)
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Particularly by the parents of these "kids". It is the parents job to watch their own kids. (01/25/06)
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take this message to the local high schools as well and ultimately to the parents who are accountable - perhaps a lecture to parents on Back to School night is appropriate (01/21/06)
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I am not familiar with what kind of enforcement already exists and is applied to various situations. I believe in keeping youth out of juvenile facilities by offering them positive prevention and intervention programs that meet their needs. I also believe in community service and restorative justice practices. (01/19/06)
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Always a good bet (01/16/06)
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