Edits intended to give police power to control misbehavior
OCEAN CITY — Ocean City Council took a step Thursday to give police a little more control over unruly juveniles by changing language in the city’s ordinances.
Jersey shore towns in particular have been plagued by teenagers gathering and partying in large groups during the summer, either on the boardwalk or beaches, with police having little recourse to stop certain illegal behavior.
After New Jersey voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in the 2020 election, the New Jersey Legislature changed laws on police enforcement, some of them ostensibly to protect juveniles from getting police records over nonviolent offenses.
The result, however, has created problems because in most cases police are not allowed to search teens for contraband including alcohol and marijuana, ask for their names or report their behavior to their parents.
Council voted to introduce an ordinance last week that amends sections of Ordinance No. 87-17, Chapter IV “Police Regulations,” and Chapter XVIII “Beaches, Boardwalks and Recreational Areas” of the city’s general ordinances.
City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said it is a 22-page ordinance with the intent to give police a little more latitude in dealing with juveniles.
In spite of the length, the changes affect only portions of the ordinances.
“In most cases it’s just one sentence saying a violation of this section constitutes a breach of the peace,” McCrosson told council.
She said the affected sections of the administrative code are 4-1, manufacture, possession or consumption of alcohol; 4-4, bicycle regulations and registration; 4-6, curfew; 4-11, litter; 4-13, misrepresentation of age unlawful; 4-15, noise and disturbing the peace; 4-31, graffiti prohibited on public and private property; 4-37, fireworks; 4-41, jumping from bridge; 18-2.4, beach badges required; 18-2.5, beaches, boardwalks and recreational areas and hours; 18-4, bicycles and other vehicles on the boardwalk; and 18-6, smoke-free parks and recreation areas.
“Then they can arrest the kids?” Council Vice President Karen Bergman asked about the changes.
“Take them into custody,” McCrosson clarified.
After no other council members offer comment and they were asked to make a motion to introduce the resolution, Bergman said, “I’ll happily make that.”
All six members voted in favor of introducing the ordinance. Councilman John “Tony” Polcini was not at the meeting.
Second reading and a public hearing are scheduled for Jan. 12.
Fire Department change
Council voted 5-1 to approve a change in the city ordinances to create a new rank — battalion chief — in the Ocean City Fire Department.
McCrosson said the battalion chief would be between captain and deputy chief.
Bergman made the motion to approve it and Council President Pete Madden seconded it.
The vote was 5-1 in favor, with Councilman Terry Crowley Jr. voting no.
There were no council comments before or after the vote.
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff