New Jersey's attorney general criticized Wildwood for not having enough police officers patrolling its boardwalk over the Memorial Day weekend, leading to disturbances and the temporary closure of the walkway. The city was overwhelmed with calls for help due to rowdy teens and young adults causing disruptions. The lack of law enforcement presence prompted the closure of the boardwalk overnight, with neighboring police departments called in for assistance.
Officials and police supervisors attribute the incidents to juvenile justice reforms in New Jersey, which they believe have emboldened teens by reducing the consequences for certain offenses. However, the attorney general defended the law, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with Wildwood for not adequately staffing law enforcement officers on the boardwalk during the holiday weekend.
