WILDWOOD, NJ — Attorney General Matthew Platkin responded to criticisms on Friday regarding the handling of recent disturbances on the Wildwood boardwalk. Local officials had to shut down the boardwalk overnight last Sunday and call for support from neighboring police departments due to insufficient officer presence.
Criticism has been directed towards juvenile justice reforms in New Jersey, which some local officials and police supervisors from Jersey Shore towns claim have emboldened teenagers. These reforms are designed to keep more juveniles out of the court system and have restricted police interactions with youth involved in minor offenses such as alcohol or marijuana possession.
According to Gillian, a local official, the teenagers involved in the disturbances “were known to each other and came to Ocean City with the intent of causing harm.” He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated, and assured that the police department is equipped to handle such incidents.
Despite these assurances, some critics argue that the reforms have made it difficult for police to effectively manage juveniles. In January, changes were made to the law, easing some of the punitive measures officers could take against juveniles suspected of possessing alcohol or marijuana.
Platkin clarified that the law does not prevent the police from taking action in cases of violence. He emphasized the need for proper training and resources for law enforcement to address such challenges effectively. “There’s no state regulation that prevents law enforcement officers from doing their job,” Platkin stated, underlining that the focus should be on enhancing police training and capabilities.