This GTPD Video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/7YDt5vkAaWc
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins was asked to give testimony to the New Jersey State Senate Law and Public Safety Committee Meeting in Trenton.
Chief Harkins’ testimony was in to support new legislation to establish offenses of inciting a public brawl, enhanced penalties for disorderly conduct in certain circumstances, and requiring the New Jersey Attorney General to establish a training program for crowd management and provide resources to local law enforcement for large gatherings, flash mobs, or pop up parties.
This new legislation is in response to incidents that occurred during the annual Gloucester Township Day Event and Drone Show on June 1, 2024 in which up to 500+ unruly juveniles and young adults began to congregate and then cause multiple violent fights. It is believed that the perpetrators and fights were organized through social media platforms. Chief Harkins provided his experience of the event which required additional Gloucester Township Police Officers, the GTPD Special Response Team, and mutual aid to surrounding Camden County police departments. Several Police Officers were assaulted and injured during the two-hour long incident. Numerous arrests were made the day of the incident, and several more were made following a lengthy investigation. It is hoped that this new legislation will send a message that this type of violent behavior will not be tolerated.
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/2079
