“Out of control” teens have turned community events into chaotic situations in one New Jersey town, leading to a new law that could send parents to jail for their children’s misbehavior.
“More and more, our officers are dealing with disrespectful, out-of-control behavior by juveniles…” said David Harkins, chief of the Gloucester Township Police Department.
“This ordinance is another way to try to make parents responsible—or at least aware of where their children are and what they’re doing.”
Under the Township of Gloucester Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance, if a child is repeatedly caught loitering, skipping school, breaking curfew, committing felonies, or other offenses, their parents could face up to 90 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
To show why the law is needed, Harkins told “Fox & Friends” about a fight last year at the Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show that left three officers hurt and nine teenagers in police custody.
This year, the same event was postponed, NJ.com reported, because social media posts suggested similar problems might happen again. The town is about 15 miles outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Something has to change. We need to get our kids back on track,” Harkins said.
“They have to stop acting crazy… and show respect for law enforcement.”
Harkins said the ordinance also addresses some parents’ worries that they are not allowed to be as involved with their children as they would like, especially in the education system.
Instead of “taking control” of families, the law is meant to inform parents so they can take “corrective action.”
“We understand how important being a parent is… I want parents to know what their kids are doing, where they’re going, and who they’re hanging out with. If my child got in trouble, I would want to know and be responsible so we can take action,” Harkins said.
He also noted that some parents may have trouble getting their child to behave but said there are programs to help teens improve their behavior, including a full-time social worker who works with juvenile unit detectives.
