VIDEO: https://youtu.be/W8UGSDKk2UA
Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins was remotely interviewed on Thursday, August 14, 2025 (ABC News Live and Fox & Friends ), and Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayor on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (Fox News and NewsNation ) in reference to last weeks announcement of the new Township Of Gloucester Minors & Parent Responsibility Ordinance.
In Gloucester Township, New Jersey, parents could face fines or jail time if they fail to prevent their children from breaking the law, following a new ordinance passed by the Township Council on July 28, 2025.
The ordinance holds parents, legal guardians, or anyone responsible for a minor accountable for public disturbances caused by the child. It was introduced in response to incidents of youth misbehavior, including disruptions at events like 2024's Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show.
The ordinance lists 28 offenses that could make caretakers liable, ranging from felonies to minor infractions like loitering, breaking curfew, or chronic truancy.
If a child is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court, their caretaker could face up to 90 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000. The ordinance takes effect immediately.
The full Chapter 39 Of The Code Of The Township Of Gloucester can be accessed here: https://assets.opspolice.network/resources/agency/140/community/document/agency-140-document-qN8usGgui2SzO9T0.pdf
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/2387
Gloucester Township Police Officers, Special Class 1 Officers, Dispatchers, as well as numerous Law Enforcement Officers from surrounding towns (approximately 100 in total) responded to Gloucester Township Day/ 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. 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.
▶ Original Media Release 6-2-2024: https://gtpolice.com/news/article/1515
▶ Legislative Press Conference 6-27-2024: https://gtpolice.com/news/article/1559
▶ Chief Harkins Testimony To NJ State Senate 2-13-2025:
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/2079
▶ Chief Interviewed By NJ Assembly Majority Office In Support of GT Day Legislation Initiative 2-26-2025: https://youtu.be/HFR5eOL2uV8
▶ Postponement Of Gloucester Township Day Full Press Conference 4-8-2025: https://youtu.be/NGphCLWv8LQ
