NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Law enforcement will be taking a new approach to unruly teenagers on the beach and boardwalk in at least one town at the Jersey shore this summer.
As part of a recommendation from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the new citation, “Breach of the Peace,” allows Ocean City police to detain teens who continue to be disruptive even after verbal warnings. Police would then take the teens down to the station and call their parents to come pick them up.
The violation won’t go on their permanent record so long as no crimes are being committed. However, drug use and alcohol consumption violations will continue to be enforced.
Ocean City Chamber of Commerce executive director Michele Gillian says business owners are pleased the city is addressing the bad behavior that’s become an issue for them in the last few years.
“I think taking these steps to get police and parents and the community involved is certainly going to help end any of these issues,” Gillian said.
“We want to make it a clean and safe environment for everyone to come and visit. Taking these steps and going forward has really given us the tools to make it happen and we’re really happy for that.”
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Cape May’s Prosecuter’s Office said they are working with other South Jersey towns to solve similar issues with teens.
Ocean City officials say they want to get the message out before the season starts that there won’t be an “anything goes” approach this summer.