The San Ramon City Council is considering approving and ordinance that would give police officers the ability to treat truancy as a crime.
Currently, if an officer comes across a child that should be in school their options are to release the student to the school or a parent.
But, if the ordinance is adopted, Police Chief Scott Holder said students would receive a warning for the first offense and a citation with a fine if caught a second time.
The daytime curfew would be in effect between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days.
Contra Costa District Attorney Mark Peterson spoke in favor of the ordinance at the council meeting Tuesday night, saying it is part of the DA's effort to prevent crimes before they happen.
Peterson cited statistics saying having students graduate from high school is one the best ways to prevent future crimes and that the best way to get kids to graduate is attendance.
The council is expected to make a decision on the ordinance at its May 8 meeting.
Do you think this is a good idea? Should police officers get involved with truant students, or should it be left up to the schools? Pick a selection in our poll and tell us what you think in the comments section.
