Middle Township adds breach of peace clause to municipal ordinances
The change will give law enforcement more tools to control unruly situations and disturbances
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Police responded to unsanctioned car rallies in Middle Township last September.
Middle Township police could soon have a new option when trying to control unruly crowds.
Township Committee recently introduced an ordinance to amend the township code with “breach of peace” language and expects it to be adopted after a second reading on May 15.
Ocean City passed a similar measure in January after experiencing an increase in disruptive and destructive summer crowds on the boardwalk and beaches. “We want to give our officers reasonable and responsible tools to maintain public safety,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Police need the ability to defuse an unruly situation, especially related to large crowds.”
“I want to thank Township Committee for adding the breach of peace language to our local ordinances. This measure gives officers additional confidence when enforcing our local ordinances,” said Police Chief Christopher Leusner. “This additional language will be helpful when dealing with violations that impact the public peace or order and repeat offenders.”
The ordinance was partly motivated by the need to deal with pop-up car rallies and other unsanctioned large gatherings.
The rallies unleashed reckless behavior in Middle Township and Wildwood last September. The Wildwood event turned tragic, with two people killed, several injured and extensive property damage.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office also is taking a proactive approach to ensure a peaceful season at the shore. After learning about an unsanctioned party planned for this month in Wildwood, the prosecutor’s office issued a warning and said police would shut down the event. The party has since been canceled.
