Latest news with #GloucesterTownshipPoliceDepartment
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
NJ police chief says 'out of control' kids forced new town law that could put parents behind bars
"Out of control" teens have turned community events into battlegrounds in one New Jersey town, prompting a new law that could send parents to jail for their children's misbehavior. "More and more, our officers are running into disrespectful, out-of-control behavior by juveniles…" said David Harkins, chief of the Gloucester Township Police Department. "This ordinance is just another way of us trying to change the course and make parents responsible or at least know where their children are and what they're up to." According to the Township of Gloucester Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance, if a child is repeatedly found guilty of loitering, repeated school absences, violating curfew, felonies or other offenses, their parents could face up to 90 days in prison and a $2,000 fine. For evidence, Harkins told "Fox & Friends" of a brawl from last year at the Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show, which left three officers injured and nine teenagers in police custody. The same event was postponed this year, reported, because social media posts suggested similar behavior was planned. The town is located about 15 miles outside of Philadelphia, Pa. "Something's got to change. We've got to get our kids back on track," Harkins said. "They've got to stop acting crazy… and get respect back for law enforcement." Harkins said the ordinance acknowledges some parents' concerns that they are not allowed to be as involved with their children as they would like in key areas, namely in the education system. Instead of "taking control" of a family, however, the measure aims to inform parents so they can take "corrective action." "We recognize how important being a parent is… I want to get back to where the parents know what their kids are doing, they know where they're going and who they're hanging around with. And if my child were to get in trouble, I would want to know about that and know that I'm going to be responsible so that we can take corrective action." Harkins also acknowledged that some parents may struggle to get their child to behave, but noted that there are measures in place to help juveniles correct their bad behavior, namely a full-time social worker who works alongside juvenile unit detectives.
New York Post
09-08-2025
- New York Post
New Jersey parents could face jail time under town's ordinance targeting children's unruly behavior
Advertisement Under a new ordinance in a New Jersey town, parents can be fined and even charged for their children's unruly behavior. The Township of Gloucester Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance stipulates consequences, including jail time, for parents and guardians who 'fail to prevent their children from breaking the law,' according to a news release from police. The ordinance was passed by the Township Council July 28 and was introduced after incidents of public disturbance involving kids at events like last year's Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show. During that event, a large brawl involving teens broke out, and 11 people were arrested, including nine teenagers, according to Advertisement The Township of Gloucester Minors and Parents' Responsibility Ordinance stipulates consequences, including jail time, for parents and guardians who 'fail to prevent their children from breaking the law.' Gloucester Township Police Three police officers were also injured during the melee. The event was postponed this year, the outlet reported, because social media posts suggested similar behavior was planned. The ordinance includes 28 different offenses that range from felonies to minor infractions such as loitering, breaking curfew or chronic truancy. Advertisement The Gloucester Township Police Department is located at the township municipal building. Google Maps '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 department said. Guardians will be issued a warning before a citation, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said, according to 'Our ordinance was actually sampled from other towns,' he explained. 'We're not necessarily the first, but we're probably the first bigger town to adopt it.' Advertisement Fox News Digital has reached out to the Gloucester Township Police Department for comment. Gloucester Township is about 15 miles from Philadelphia.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Annual Gloucester Township Day postponed amid threats of violence
The Brief An annual decades-old tradition is postponed this year until further notice. Officials announced threats revealed on social media. Last year's event was ruined due to violence by teens and young adults. GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A beloved tradition in Camden County may be off this spring. Gloucester Township Day, usually filled with fun and games for the whole family, has been postponed until further notice. What we know A notice is posted on the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee website announcing a joint decision with the Township of Gloucester. It states that annual Gloucester Township Day event scheduled for June 7th this year is postponed until further notice. The decision was made in the interest of public safety. It follows incidents last year where cellphone video captured some of the chaos and violence. Police said hundreds of teens and young adults were fighting and surrounding officers. A few officers were hurt and more than a dozen arrests made. The cancellation notice states, quote: "This decision was made following a thorough assessment of social media posts containing credible threats of unlawful and violent activity, as brought to the attention of the Gloucester Township Police Department." A statement from Mayor David Mayer reads in part, "We must take all potential threats seriously." What they're saying "It's sad but smart on their part. I get it. I hate to see things like that canceled. It's good for most of the community, but unfortunately safety comes first," said Patrick Geer, who was at Veteran's Park Friday evening with his daughter and granddaughters Brooklyn and Lilianna. This is where the event has been held for decades. Geer recalls other South Jersey towns having similar issues. "Ocean City. Wildwood. We go down there a lot in the summer and now you gotta be a little concerned," he said. Jennifer Bohannon has lived in the township more than 30 years. "It's sad that we have to live in a world where you can't even go about your yearly traditions because of threats of violence and things of that nature," she said. She usually goes with family and likes that the event is a big fundraiser. "Gloucester Township Day is a great way to give back to the community. They generate a lot of revenue for scholarships for surrounding schools," said Bohannon. What's next Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins tells FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson that the mayor will hold a press conference on Tuesday with more details on the decision. For ongoing updates, check Gloucester Township's website, here. The Source Information for this story was provided by Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins, and residents.
