Naperville police plan to assign 15 to 20 officers to the downtown area Monday in anticipation of a possible large gathering of juveniles.
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Last week, the police department was alerted to a social media post about a “teen takeover” event being planned for downtown, according to Cmdr. Rick Krakow.
The bulk of the additional manpower planned will be charged with patrolling the area, with most assigned to the evening hours since that is usually when such gatherings take place, Krakow said.
The increased law enforcement visibility should help deter any illegal activity from taking place, he said. Officers have been instructed to intervene if they observe any potentially criminal actions occurring, he said.
“We encourage people of all ages to visit our downtown, to go to businesses, to enjoy their time in our city,” he said. “It’s when it turns unlawful that officers get involved.”
Krakow said that while arrests are uncommon at such events, juveniles who attend them and engage in illegal activity can be arrested for “any violation of state law or local ordinance.” In the past, that has included everything from illegal possession of a gun to assault.
In March, four juveniles were arrested on battery charges as a result of a fight that broke out during a downtown gathering involving about 300 people. In mid-May, during a smaller incident involving about 40 juveniles, one was charged with aggravated assault and another charged with obstructing a peace officer.
Last year, a 14-year-old was arrested for allegedly possessing a loaded, semiautomatic pistol during a gathering that involved about 150 people.
Juveniles can also receive citations for participating in certain activities while at these events, including trespassing, jaywalking, pedestrian violations and simple battery.
Any visitors to downtown Naperville not participating in the teen takeover should “continue on with their day and enjoy what downtown Naperville has to offer them,” Krakow said. As for parents who have children potentially interested in attending a “takeover,” they should be aware of what their kids are doing, where they are going and what types of activities they are participating in, he said.
“Again, any teenager that wants to come to our city and lawfully gather and enjoy what the city of Naperville has to offer, they’re welcome, but if it turns to illegal activity, I think it’s the parent’s responsibility to be aware of what their children may be engaging in,” he said.