CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The new curfew that went into effect less than two weeks ago for children under 18 on Marine bases was rescinded Thursday, Marine officials said.
The curfew, published in Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 5800.1B on March 30, restricted juveniles to family housing units from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. every day unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult having the legal care of the juvenile.
Marine spokesman Mike Ard told Stars and Stripes the previous order setting curfews for minors will be back in force until further review. He said he didn’t know specifically what in the rescinded order officials are reviewing, only that questions were raised when a Stripes reporter inquired about details of the policy.
The tightened curfew had been in response to "reoccurring offenses" by juveniles, such as vandalism, shoplifting, private property theft, loitering and other disorderly conduct, according to the rescinded order.
The order indicated the change was to restrict unattended juvenile movement on Marine bases to prevent them from committing criminal offenses.
With Thursday’s change, the curfew will fall back under Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 5800.1A, said Marine spokesman 1st. Lt. Adrian Rankine-Galloway.
The curfew returns to the same guidelines used by Kadena Air Base. Minor dependents have a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday when school is in session.
On Friday, Saturday, holidays and during school breaks, the curfew is midnight to 5:30 a.m.
