Over the Memorial Day weekend, several Jersey Shore towns experienced disturbances and chaos caused by rowdy teens and young adults. The president of the New Jersey State Policemens’ Benevolent Association, Peter Andreyev, called for consequences for those who engage in violent and dangerous behavior in public places. He emphasized the need for changes in laws and procedures governing police interactions with disorderly individuals. The incidents included a stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Ocean City and a false report of a shooting in Seaside Heights, leading to temporary closures and clearances of boardwalks.
Local officials and police departments in Jersey Shore towns attributed the outbursts to juvenile justice reforms enacted by the state in recent years. These laws aimed to keep more juveniles out of the court system and placed restrictions on how police officers could interact with them. However, Governor Phil Murphy expressed confidence in law enforcement’s ability to handle disorderly teens, stating that the weekend was mostly successful despite the incidents. Officials in Ocean City and Wildwood stressed the importance of enforcing laws and maintaining order, warning that unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and Wildwood Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. both emphasized the need for order and discipline in their cities, declaring that troublemakers will face consequences. They supported the efforts of law enforcement in enforcing laws and protecting their communities from nuisance crowds. The closure of Wildwood’s boardwalk for six hours was deemed necessary to restore order, with support from the Cape May County prosecutor. Republican state senators proposed legislation to expand the definition of a riot, provide funding for police departments, and increase penalties for those who assault first responders.
The New Jersey State Policemens’ Benevolent Association and local officials are advocating for stronger consequences for drunken and rowdy individuals, both juveniles and adults, who disrupt public places. While juvenile justice reforms have aimed to keep juveniles out of the court system, recent incidents at Jersey Shore towns have highlighted the need for law enforcement to have the tools to address disorderly behavior effectively. Governor Phil Murphy expressed confidence in law enforcement’s ability to handle such situations, emphasizing the overall success of the Memorial Day weekend despite the disturbances. Local mayors reiterated the importance of enforcing laws and maintaining order to protect their communities from unruly behavior.
Efforts are being made by state senators to pass legislation that would expand the definition of a riot, provide funding for police departments facing budget cuts, and increase penalties for individuals who assault first responders. The goal is to prevent riots and vandalism that could deter visitors from Jersey Shore towns and impact the summer season. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to disorderly behavior and ensuring that law enforcement have the necessary resources and support, officials hope to create safer and more welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. The collaboration between state and local authorities, as well as advocacy from community leaders, is crucial in addressing and preventing future incidents of mayhem in public places.
