New Jersey Attorney General Addresses Police Shortage On Boardwalk

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin throws a baseball at a row of bottles on the Seaside Heights, N.J., boardwalk on Friday, May 31, 2024, during an event to inspect boardwalk games of chance.

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.

Wildwood officials did not disclose the number of officers assigned to the boardwalk but assured that additional officers would be joining the force soon. Public Safety Commissioner Steve Mikulski acknowledged the staffing challenges faced by police departments, noting a decline in new recruits entering the police or fire academy.

Juvenile justice reforms in New Jersey believed to embolden teens by reducing consequences for offenses.

Wildwood criticized for lack of police presence on boardwalk during Memorial Day weekend.

Ocean City experienced disturbances for second consecutive Memorial Day weekend, including a stabbing incident.

Wildwood and Ocean City officials addressing staffing challenges and enhancing law enforcement presence.

Attorney general defends juvenile justice law, emphasizes responsibility on cities to adequately staff law enforcement.

Ocean City police detained 23 teens for various offenses and issued over 1,300 warnings.

Meanwhile, Ocean City faced disturbances for the second consecutive Memorial Day weekend, including a stabbing incident involving a 15-year-old boy. The mayor reported that Ocean City police detained 23 teens for various offenses and issued over 1,300 warnings for violations such as alcohol, cannabis, and curfew breaches.

Critics attribute the rise in incidents to juvenile justice reforms that limit police interactions with juveniles suspected of possessing alcohol or marijuana. However, the attorney general clarified that the law does not prevent officers from arresting teens involved in violent events and emphasized the importance of proper training and staffing to address such situations effectively.

Efforts are underway to enhance law enforcement presence and response capabilities in both Wildwood and Ocean City to ensure public safety during peak tourist seasons and holidays.