GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A new ordinance in Gloucester Township allows for fines or jail time for parents if their children cause a public disturbance.
The township council adopted the measure on July 28, following a large-scale disruption during the 2024 Gloucester Township Day festival.
Chief David Harkins told ABC News that the event “got ruined by unruly juveniles who were being dropped off from out of the area by rideshares.”
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Attendees were waiting for a drone light show when about 500 teens began causing disturbances, according to WPVI. The disruption lasted two hours, prompting mutual aid from neighboring towns. Twelve people were arrested, including 10 juveniles between the ages of 13 and 17.
Harkins said officers at the event were “being spit on, cursed at, assaulted.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like it in 30 years as a police officer — the disrespect, the violent behavior that ruined a family event,” Harkins said.
Details of the ordinance
The ordinance outlines 28 offenses for which parents or guardians can be held responsible if a minor is found guilty. Offenses include:
- A felony, high misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or other offense
- Violation of any penal law or municipal ordinance
- Any act or offense prosecuted in a criminal action or proceeding
- Being a disorderly person
- Habitual vagrancy
- Incorrigibility
- Immorality
- Knowingly associating with thieves or vicious or immoral people
- Growing up in idleness or delinquency
- Knowingly visiting gambling places or patronizing prohibited establishments
- Idly roaming the streets at night
- Habitual truancy from school
- Deportment endangering morals, health or general welfare
- Violations under Title 39 of the Motor Vehicle Act (excluding parking)
- Sale and use of narcotics or other drugs
- Defacing property of another (graffiti)
- Destroying property of another
- Mugging
- Assault
- Assault and battery
- Loitering in groups of three or more on public streets, highways or alleys
- Loitering or defacing public property owned by government entities
- Destruction of playground equipment or public parks
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages on a public street
- Drunkenness
- Begging
- Lack of supervision by a parent, guardian or person having custody of a minor
- Indecent exposure
Under the ordinance, parents of minors found guilty of a first offense may be ordered to provide supervision. A second offense could result in a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Harkins emphasized that the intent is not to incarcerate parents but to encourage involvement in their children’s activities. “We’re not looking to put anybody in jail,” he said. “This is about warning parents and due process.”
Parents whose children are taken into custody will receive an information sheet and a warning. The police department also provides support resources, including a full-time social worker and parenting classes.
“We understand being a parent is a tough job,” Harkins said. “We’re committed to giving help to those that need it.”
Since the ordinance took effect in July, no parents have been charged. Harkins said the goal is to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system by ensuring parents remain engaged.
“Many times, parents had no idea who their kids were with or what they were doing,” he said. “That’s got to change.”
Do you think ordinances like Gloucester Township’s help deter juvenile crime? Why or why not?
