In accordance with a new state truancy law, the Peachtree City Police Department has issued misdemeanor charges in three cases of parents and/or guardians whose children have more than 10 unexcused absences or tardies in a semester.

Parents or guardians of such children can face up to 30 days in jail, a fine and perhaps community service. The cases will be heard in Fayette County State Court.

The department has worked with the Fayette County Superior Court Protocol Committee, the state court and local schools in Peachtree City on the matter, enacting new procedures to enforce the law, police said.

“The police department is concerned for the youth of Peachtree City who do not receive the support they need from parents or guardians to receive a proper education,” the department said in a press release.

The way the law is written, a misdemeanor charge can be filed for each day’s unexcused absence or tardy above the 10 allowed each semester.

The department is receiving more information on other attendance problems with local students. Anyone with such information is asked to contact Sgt. Jennifer Michel of the criminal investigations division at 770-631-2510.

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