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RIVERDALE - Police power expansion held for review
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - September 10, 2008)
RIVERDALE - The Borough Council has not determined if it will make it easier for police to take enforcement action against consumption of alcohol by underage people while on private property.
After having a discussion with Chief Thomas Soules during the Sept. 3 council meeting, elected leaders agreed to wait until the Police Department provides an opinion on this subject.
Soules said he wants to talk with other communities to find out how other departments are dealing with the issue.
Councilwoman Elaine Wetzel said she would want support from the Police Department before she agrees to move forward.
“I’m waiting to get an answer from the chief because I think it will be very difficult to enforce,” said Wetzel.
Chilton Neighbors for Better Health are meeting with the few remaining towns in Morris County that have not adopted this law to request that they do so.
Lauren Schuitema, Chilton Memorial Hospital community outreach health educator, said this law would provide the police with another tool to combat underage alcohol drinking.
Under New Jersey State law, it is only illegal for minors to drink on public property.
During the Sept. 3 meeting, Borough Attorney Robert Oostdyk explained that these ordinances do not give police the authority to invade a property and they cannot issue violations to a parent or guardian if they provide alcohol to their children.
“If they see the kids drinking, they can write them up,” said Oostdyk.
Lincoln Park Police Chief Sean Canning said his department has had this ordinance in force for the past few years.
“Occasionally it has been used,” he said. “It is a helpful tool just like anything else. It is available if we need it, if the circumstances arose.”
Canning said generally the police are called for a disturbance, and if they notice that a minor has consumed alcohol, then he or she is issued a summons.
“Officers are trained to recognize various states of sobriety, if somebody has glassy eyes, alcohol on their breath or slurred speech,” Canning said.
In Lincoln Park, a minor found guilty can face a $250 fine as well as a license suspension or postponement for six months.
In Pequannock, the responsible adult is charged for serving alcohol. Pequannock has had this ordinance in force since 2003.
“It gives a stance in our town that we have a zero tolerance for underage drinking,” said Pequannock Police Lt. Daniel Dooley.
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