Los Angeles Police Department Encourages School Attendance Amid Recent Downtown Activity NR26026kt

Los Angeles: In light of recent activity in the downtown area, the Los Angeles Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students of the importance of staying in school.

School attendance is mandatory in the City of Los Angeles and there may be legal consequences for parents and students for:

•  Day time Curfew violations – It is unlawful for any minors under 18 to be in public places, streets, or amusement spots during school hours (typically 8:30 am to 1:30 pm). The only exception includes being with a parent, authorized school activities, or emergencies.
•  California Education Code violations:
•  Mandates that all children between the ages of six and eighteen, unless exempted, must attend a full-time public day school for the full designated school day.
•  Middle and high school students are legally permitted one excused absence per calendar year to participate in a “civic or political event,” provided advance school notification (emphasis added).
•  Additionally, Los Angeles Unified School District policy states that three or more unexcused absences or tardies of 30 minutes or more, can trigger a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) intervention for disciplinary action.

Parents and students are also reminded that presence at school promotes intellectual growth. It becomes more difficult to fill knowledge gaps with student absences. Attendance builds good habits and healthy routines; and provides structure and stability. Lastly, school attendance also increases student safety, which includes safety resources provided by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Any adult that collects or picks up a child and transports them to participate in any illegal activities may be responsible for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and is subject to arrest and prosecution. This law applies to actions like providing drugs/alcohol to minors, promoting truancy, and for parents failing to exercise reasonable supervision. Community members, parents, and students may contact their local Community Police Station of the Los Angeles Police Department for additional guidance specific to their community.