Concerns Mount in Jersey Shore Towns Over State’s Marijuana Law Impact on Police and Teen Behavior

As summer arrives on the Jersey Shore, the festivities bring about a significant concern for officials and residents of coastal towns. They argue that recent criminal justice reforms in New Jersey, particularly the decriminalization of marijuana use, have had an unintended consequence: emboldening groups of rowdy teenagers to engage in disruptive behavior on beaches and boardwalks, knowing that the chances of facing consequences are minimal.

In response, lawmakers are now seeking to amend parts of these laws, which also pertain to alcohol use and possession. Originally implemented to reduce juvenile involvement in the court system, these laws introduced various restrictions on police interactions with young individuals.

While underage drinking and marijuana use have been present at the Jersey Shore for generations, some elected officials and residents assert that the situation has significantly deteriorated over the past two years.

During the Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement and media outlets reported incidents of underage drinking, drug use, fights, and assaults in Ocean City and Seaside Heights—both known for their association with the infamous MTV series “Jersey Shore,” where summer renters were notorious for creating havoc in town.

Instances from Memorial Day weekend include teenagers hanging from motel balconies in Seaside Heights and climbing onto the roof of another motel. In Ocean City, eight teenagers became unconscious due to excessive drinking on the boardwalk and required hospitalization. Restroom attendants faced assault and spitting from unruly youths. Some teenagers were found carrying knives, and one had a replica gun that closely resembled a real firearm.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian expressed his frustration, stating, “Enough is enough. It’s become clear over the past two summers that these crowds will only grow larger and unrulier unless something changes.”

Holly Kisby, an Ocean City resident with over 30 years of experience working on the boardwalk, recounted incidents of teenagers engaging in drinking, marijuana smoking, setting off fireworks into crowds, fighting, property destruction, and theft from stores, among other disruptive activities. She described the situation as the worst it has ever been.

Ocean City Police Chief Jay Prettyman acknowledged that most troublemakers were underage drinkers. However, due to New Jersey’s recently adopted cannabis law, individuals under the age of 21 cannot be searched by the police for marijuana or alcohol without their consent. In the past, teenagers found in possession of such substances could be arrested, but now they receive warnings or are taken to the police station for their parents or guardians to collect them, except in severe cases.

The information about these changes spread rapidly among teenagers, who are aware that they don’t need to provide their names to officers unless they attempt to leave during questioning. Moreover, teenagers are aware that officers themselves could face charges if they violate their rights in such situations.

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office did not respond to requests for comment, while the American Civil Liberties Union supported the reforms, advocating for alternative approaches to criminal prosecution for teenagers whenever possible.

Recently, a small plane towed a banner above the Seaside Heights boardwalk, raising awareness about the signs of alcohol poisoning. Among those observing the banner, Santiago Caceres, a 22-year-old sitting on a bench with friends, expressed his belief that police should not be allowed to search individuals for illicit substances, citing concerns about racial disparities. Another beachgoer, Angel Aguero, 23, emphasized that young people often make mistakes and acquire criminal records that haunt them for life.

Nick DiMattina, a 15-year-old from Beachwood, New Jersey, believes that police should have the authority to search underage individuals like himself. DiMattina learned about the change in the law through TikTok and expressed concerns about the lack of accountability if teenagers are allowed to engage in prohibited activities without consequences.

To address the escalating situation, lawmakers from both parties have introduced bills to reinstate fines for underage possession of alcohol and marijuana. These proposed measures would also grant police officers the authority to search teenagers found in possession of these substances.

Chief Prettyman, the Ocean City police chief, highlighted that officers throughout the state are now hesitant to address alcohol or marijuana-related issues involving teenagers, fearing potential charges for violating their rights. The proposed bills aim to remove this provision and reinstate penalties for underage possession and consumption of alcohol and cannabis, hoping to rectify the perceived excesses of the current law.

Senator Michael Testa, a Republican, expressed shock over the “lawlessness” witnessed on the Jersey Shore during Memorial Day weekend. He is sponsoring a package of bills, including one that would eliminate the threat of charges against police officers acting in good faith and another that would allow towns to designate alcohol and marijuana-free zones.

New Jersey is not the only state that has reformed its laws to minimize juvenile involvement in the criminal justice system. In Maryland, several law enforcement officers argue that similar reforms have made it more difficult to question and investigate teenagers suspected of committing crimes. However, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services contends that these laws have had a positive impact.

Mayor Vaz of Seaside Heights shared incidents where children as young as 13 blatantly challenged police officers, believing they were untouchable. To curb such behavior, the town is considering raising the minimum age for renting motel rooms from 18 to 21 if disturbances persist.

Following the disorderly weekend, Ocean City promptly implemented measures to regain control of its beach and boardwalk. These measures included closing beach access at 8 p.m., banning backpacks on the boardwalk after that hour, enforcing an earlier curfew, and closing public restrooms at 10 p.m. Seaside Heights adopted similar initiatives, including the authority to shut down the beach and boardwalk in case of escalating situations. Other shore towns have also enacted curfews and alcohol bans.

Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

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• New Jersey’s Marijuana Laws
• Jersey Shore Tourism
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Seaside Heights, New Jersey
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)