Police captain: "Hands are tied" when dealing with teens at the Jersey shore

AVALON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Officials and residents are sounding the alarm, stating the Jersey Shore is now suffering the consequences of two state directives aimed at reforming the juvenile criminal justice system.

"It's annoying in that the teenagers litter, they leave beer cans and even broken bottles glass," said Avalon resident Steven Lang.

Since Memorial Day, Avalon police have issued about 1,300 curbside warnings to juveniles breaking the rules. Ocean City police reported issuing more than 10,000 warnings and arresting 107 juveniles since Memorial Day.

"We've had criminal mischief, we've had private property damaged, we've had things stolen from people's garages," said Avalon Police Captain John Roscoe. "We've had things stolen from other people's property."

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Roscoe said police officers feel frustrated that they can only issue warnings after the New Jersey Attorney General issued a directive aimed to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system. Roscoe explained there's very little they can do to discipline anyone under 21.

"If we see them doing something wrong, we say, 'hey get out of here' and then we don't take names, parents aren't notified," said Roscoe. "It's been a little trying for us to be able to handle juveniles. Our hands are tied."

Officers also can't question or detain people under the age of 21 who are suspected of drinking or under the influence of marijuana. This is a result of voters choosing to decriminalize both back in November 2020.

"It's hard enough for the police to do their job," said Rich, a resident of Avalon. "I mean you got to stand behind them."

North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello took to social media last week, writing a lengthy post explaining the repercussions of the state's new law.

North Wildwood had a total of eight assaults involving juveniles since Memorial Day weekend and he said, "The State has basically created a new category of Super Citizen in New Jersey who are basically immune from efforts by the Police to enforce certain laws in New Jersey."

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The NJ State Attorney General's office said in a statement: Last year, former Attorney General Grewal issued a landmark directive designed to promote public safety and limit unnecessary criminal prosecution of juveniles when their conduct could be addressed and resolved through other means. Nothing in AG Directive 2020-12 prevents law enforcement from taking appropriate action when necessary.

We encourage municipalities to reach out to us if they need clarification about the law or AG Directive 2020-12.