DEPUTIES CATCH 35 KIDS DURING CURFEW SWEEP.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

Tears flowed Friday night as children were released to their parents after a four-hour curfew sweep by the Palmdale Sheriff's Department, which netted 35 juveniles.

Some of the youths were brought in with their hands cuffed behind their backs.

``It was her first time going out, and she got busted,'' one parent explained to deputies. ``It's a good learning experience for her, and I appreciate her being looked after.''

Other parents were not so understanding, as at least three of the juveniles had been involved with curfew and other violations before.

``It's a damn shame that he doesn't learn,'' another parent told deputies. ``This isn't the first time, and I'm sure it won't be his last.''

At least five of the juveniles were intoxicated.

Several of the teens brought in were found at a popular hangout near 70th Street West and Avenue M by the aqueduct, which, according to deputies, is one of the most dangerous places in the Antelope Valley for children to congregate.

``Overall, a lot of those brought in are good kids,'' said Deputy Paul Ulman of the Palmdale Sheriff's Department. ``This is usually all they need to keep them from coming back.''

According to Ulman, the sweeps are used as a tool to impact both crime by juveniles and to prevent them from becoming victims themselves.

``We've seen an impact in other crimes by doing the sweeps, and we keep the kids from becoming involved in either side of a crime,'' Ulman said.

Although the curfew is enforced during deputies' regular patrols, the sweeps allow a team to make a concentrated effort on juvenile crime and curfew violations.

The deputies made arrests in parks, on streets and in parking lots throughout the city and broke up a party where there was illegal drinking.

The curfew was put into effect throughout Los Angeles County in an effort to curb juvenile crime. The county ordinance forbids anyone under 18 from loitering in public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Offenders are given citations, which require them to appear in juvenile traffic court with their parents. It is then up to the judge to decide whether to impose a fine, punishment - which can include a four-hour school or community service - or both.

``We want these kids to have fun and enjoy themselves, but they have to remember that we have rules and regulations, most of which are to protect them and everyone else involved.''