Police patrolled Wildwood Boardwalk on horseback to manage large teenage crowds during Memorial Day weekend.
During the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, popular shore towns within the Philadelphia area experienced a surge in visitors, yet notable differences emerged in crowd dynamics compared to previous years. Key law enforcement agencies reported minimal disturbances involving young crowds, indicating a shift in behavior during this traditionally bustling holiday.
In Wildwood, Mayor Ernie Troiano confirmed that increased police presence was implemented, including horseback officers from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department and New Jersey State Police, enhancing safety and order. Troiano commended the effectiveness of this initiative, stating that the mounted patrols contributed significantly to crowd control.
Conversely, Seaside Heights faced significant challenges during the same weekend, marked by three separate stabbings and a total of 73 arrests, leading local authorities to shut down the boardwalk for safety reasons. Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman reported that 52 adults and 21 juveniles were apprehended within a 36-hour span from Friday morning until Memorial Day. However, none of the stabbing victims chose to cooperate with law enforcement, resulting in no arrests related to those incidents.
In stark contrast to the violence in Seaside Heights, Ocean City reported a peaceful holiday weekend, largely attributed to proactive measures such as earlier curfews and backpack bans. Police Lieutenant Dan Lancaster noted that these strategies were effective in maintaining order, especially when compared to the tumultuous events of 2024, which involved significant disturbances, including a stabbing incident that prompted panic among families.
Additional measures were observed in other coastal towns. Ventnor deployed officers equipped with searchlights to deter underage drinking on beaches and boardwalks. Although Margate reported gatherings of teens near popular landmarks, including instances of littering, no serious incidents or arrests were recorded during the weekend.
Authorities emphasized parental responsibility in ensuring the safety of minors, warning that parents could face fines of up to ,000 if their children violated curfews. Margate police specifically cautioned parents against allowing their children to roam unsupervised, warning that congregating in large groups could lead to unsafe situations.
Ocean City’s police department engaged in rigorous enforcement of juvenile and beach curfews, bolstered by additional officers during peak hours. In Seaside Heights, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra urged legislative action to pass a bill increasing penalties for disorderly conduct, following a veto from Governor Phil Murphy earlier this month due to constitutional concerns.
Overall, while some shore towns grappled with serious incidents, others enjoyed a relatively calm holiday weekend, highlighting a complex landscape of public safety and community engagement along the Jersey shore.
