Garden State Times

In the wake of a violent weekend in Ocean City, where a teenager was stabbed, Republican Senators Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Robert Singer (R-30) are urging immediate legislative action on a bill designed to protect communities and empower police to prevent future incidents.

“The dreadful activity in Ocean City was completely out of control and totally unacceptable. It was yet another preventable incident, and it should never have happened, but the Legislature dropped the ball,” said Pennacchio. “Our bill would provide communities and law enforcement with the tools necessary to combat these riots. If it was passed when it was introduced, maybe we wouldn’t be worrying about the next ‘event’ that could erupt in violence, property damage and business interruption during the crucial summer season. This will continue to happen until the legislative leaders in Trenton step up.”

“Riots and vandalism will drive visitors away and devastate the summer season. As a state, we cannot afford that,” added Singer. “Make no mistake, these are not peaceful gatherings. Organizers solicit young people to come out and cause trouble. They create situations that are volatile and dangerous. Under our legislation, we can stop these riots before they get out of hand.”

The Republican lawmakers are calling on the Legislature to approve their bill following yet another chaotic weekend at the Jersey Shore in which a teenager was stabbed on the boardwalk in Ocean City as part of a larger riot that ended with multiple arrests.

The bill, S-399, takes several steps to maintain order in New Jersey streets:

- Expands the categories of riot to include aggravated riot, inciting a riot, and aggravated inciting a riot.

- Mandates municipalities allow their law enforcement agencies to respond appropriately during riots or unlawful assemblies based on available equipment and relevant laws.

- Allows municipal attorneys or governing body members who object to budget cuts for law enforcement agencies to appeal to the Division of Local Government Services within 30 days after posting the tentative budget online.

- Imposes mandatory six-month imprisonment for first offenses involving throwing objects at emergency personnel or striking them during riots.