(A) Intent. The Board of County Commissioners of Valencia County finds and declares that:
(1) It has determined that there has been an increase in juvenile violence, juvenile gang activity, and crime, by persons under the age of 17 in the County of Valencia; and
(2) Persons under the age of 17 are particularly susceptible by their lack of maturity and experience to participate in unlawful and gang-related activities and to be victims of older perpetrators of crime.
(B) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the protection of minors from each other and from other persons, to provide for the enforcement of parental control over and responsibility for children, to protect the general public and reduce the incidence of juvenile criminal activities pursuant to the city's power to promote the health, safety and general welfare of its citizens.
(C) Authority. The authority of this subchapter is contained in NMSA § 4-37-1.
(Ord. passed 12-15-1997)