West Windor Council and Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh have voted to renew an ordinance originally enacted last year to broaden the power of township police officers to issue violations to teens drinking outside on private property.##M:[more]##
The ordinance gives police the power to issue summonses against teens in possession of, or consuming alcoholic beverages on private property. Police would not have the ability to enter a private residence without probable cause.
The ordinance was passed in November, 2003, at the behest of Police Chief Joseph Pica, who was concerned about an increase in crime related to teen house parties in the township. The ordinance was approved with a stipulation that it would have to be reconsidered by council and approved for a continuance after a year.
The ordinance calls for a $250 fine for first offenders and a $350 fine for subsequent instances. The municipal judge hearing the case can also require up to 90 days of public service, or revoke the offender’s driver’s license.
In recent years, crimes associated with house parties had become a worsening problem in West Windsor, including a stabbing and sexual assaults. Other incidents included auto burglaries and residential vandalism.
The vote to approve the ordinance was the same as last year — 4-1, with Charles Morgan as the lone dissenting vote.
