In response in part to a recent spike in juvenile crime in Vicksburg, city officials Thursday reinstated a juvenile curfew effective immediately.

The move comes just days after a number of juvenile-related crimes, including one murder, occurred within the city limits. The curfew, which was also in place during a portion of the city’s shelter-in-place COVID-19 civil emergency orders, will be from 7:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. each day.

This does not mean youth 17 and under cannot be out during these times — there are some exceptions. Youth accompanied by an adult and those participating in high school activities and organized youth sports are exempt.

“It is unfortunate that I had to sign a new civil emergency order this morning that will put a juvenile curfew back in place for the city of Vicksburg,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said during a meeting Thursday. “We do see a temporary spike in juvenile crime. We are seeing juveniles walking the streets at night. Because of that, it is imperative we get on top of this, and get on top of it quick.”

Flaggs said he talked with Vicksburg Warren School District Superintendent Chad Shealy and Vicksburg Police Chief Milton Moore about the curfew, and said both were in agreement with the need for it.

This curfew is connected to the city’s civil emergency order, which is currently set to expire on Oct. 5. Also included in that order is an extension of the city’s mask mandate requiring face coverings in all businesses and public buildings.

This curfew also supersedes the city’s ongoing juvenile curfew on school nights, which is set for 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.