Parents can be fined or charged for their kids' bad behavior in a South Jersey town
GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Under a new ordinance in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, parents or guardians of minors involved in public disturbances could face fines or even jail time.
The new law is in response to incidents of youth misbehavior, including at last year's Gloucester Township Day where fights broke out and hundreds of teens caused chaos at Veterans Park and a nearby shopping center.
Gloucester Township Day was cancelled this year because of the chaos that unfolded at last year's event.
Officials hope this new level of accountability will crack down on bad behavior.
"Yes, the parents should have some repercussions for how their children are performing in the community. I'm not saying that the parents are completely responsible, but these are your children. Had you governed them a certain way, this ordinance wouldn't be necessary," said Mo H. of Lindenwold.
"As a parent, I think it's absolutely necessary," she added.
While some support the move, others oppose it, saying the law could cause hardship for some families.
"I don't think those things should be placed on the parent. I think that should be placed on the individual. That may put a parent in a situation to lose their job or lose finances. Let it go through the courts the way it usually does," said Ozzie Smith-Bey of Clementon.
In a statement to Action News, Lt. Paul Fisher with the Gloucester Township Police Department said, "Each incident is still and always will be handled on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific situation and the totality of circumstances."
According to police, the ordinance lists 28 offenses ranging from felonies to minor infractions like loitering or breaking curfew. If a child is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court, that's when a parent could face 90 days in jail and/or a hefty $2,000 fine.
The entire ordinance can be viewed here.
Similar chaos has erupted at events statewide in towns like Seaside Heights and Mays Landing this year.
In June, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the "Public Brawl Law" into state code, allowing authorities to charge anyone who starts a brawl.
People hope new measures statewide and locally will make a difference.
"I have four kids, and my youngest, she can't even experience the fun stuff that we have in town because of other kids acting out," said Alyssa Field of Blackwood, NJ.
The ordinance in Gloucester Township was adopted by the township council on July 28 and was effective immediately.
