VIDEO: Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins Speaks During Media Press Conference Announcing New Bill Package And Amending Of Township Ordinance Following Gloucester Township, New Jersey Day/ Drone Show Incidents: https://youtu.be/zh-ZFpv46Bk
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ JUNE 27, 2024, 09:30 AM– District 4 Legislators, Mayor David Mayer and Chief David Harkins held a press conference to discuss a newly introduced legislative package devised to establish penalties and other measures for misconduct on public properties in response to incidents that occurred during Gloucester Township Day. Mayor Mayer and Chief Harkins also discussed the amendments to the Township’s “Curfew” ordinance which is scheduled for a second reading and public hearing.
The proposed new bills include establishment of:
- penalties for certain conduct related to public brawl and disorderly acts
- offense of inciting public brawl and upgrading penalties
- requirement of Attorney General to establish training programs for crowd management and provide resources to local law enforcement for large gatherings, flash mobs, and pop-up parties
- parent/guardian liability
Introduction of Ordinance O-24-16, amending the township’s curfew and by:
- expanding the list of public areas to include parks, playgrounds, etc.
- increasing penalties for disorderly conduct through fines and community service
"I would like to commend Senator Moriarty, Assemblyman Hutchison and Assemblyman Miller for their efforts to address instances of disorderly conduct and public brawls. The incidents during a family-oriented event such as Gloucester Township Day where multiple fights broke out among hundreds of teens and young adults have no place in our community. It is important that these juveniles know of the repercussions of their actions. Also, it is important for the parents to know the repercussions for not knowing where their child is. Today is a great example of State, County, and local government collaborating to ensure the safety of our residents and we are grateful for this strong relationship with our fellow policy makers,” said Mayor David R. Mayer.
“The lawlessness that we experienced at the 2024 Gloucester Township Day event was caused predominantly by juveniles who were dropped off and unsupervised. We looked at how to help prevent it from ever happening again, while addressing parental accountability for the actions of their children. These legislative measures will provide the means to improve public safety by focusing on violent behavior and by holding parents accountable for the actions of their children,” said Chief David Harkins.
Attendees: Senator Paul Moriarty, Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, Assemblyman Cody Miller, Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins.
Contact: Gloucester Township Communications Director Regina Caristo 856-374-3515 or [email protected]
Past Video 6-13-2024: Gloucester Township Police Chief & Mayor Regarding Reprehensible Actions That Disrupted GT Day 2024 - https://youtu.be/_bqyBuJGi7M
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/1559
