TRENTON, N.J. – Amid reports of unruly teenagers disturbing the peace at shore towns this summer, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick says the state’s approach to new marijuana laws and juvenile justice are tying the hands of law enforcement.
“There should be no tolerance for unlawful conduct,” Bramnick (R-Union) said. “Murphy’s directives handcuff local law enforcement and sends the wrong message. Crime and unlawful conduct cannot be tolerated.”
Officials in towns like Long Branch, Avalon, Beach Haven, Toms River and Point Pleasant Beach say the state’s directive intended to keep young people out of the criminal justice system is tying the hands of law enforcement. The directive told police officers to use more curbside warnings, agreements with parents or guardians, and summonses rather than higher-level warrants, among other changes, to curb disruptive behavior.