The Gloucester Township Council adopted the measure on July 28, following a series of incidents that included a major disruption at last year's township festival.
"We've gotten overwhelming support from our community," Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins told ABC News in an exclusive interview. "People recognize the need for parental responsibility."
The ordinance came after the township's annual community day in June 2024, which Harkins said "got ruined by unruly juveniles who were being dropped off from out of the area by rideshares."
Attendees were awaiting a drone light show at a local park just before 9 p.m. when some 500 young people began causing disruptions, according to Philadelphia ABC affiliate station WPVI.
The disruption continued for two hours and escalated to the point that officers were called in from surrounding town to assist, according to WPVI, which noted that police arrested 12 people, including 10 juveniles between ages 13 and 17.
Officers were "being spit on, cursed at, assaulted," Harkins told. "I've never experienced anything like it in 30 years as a police officer – the disrespect, the violent behavior that ruined a family event."
The incident led officials to cancel this year's Gloucester Township Day.
The ordinance specifies that parents of a minor who's found guilty of a first offense may be "ordered to provide supervision of the minor." A second offense could result in the minor's parent or legal guardian facing a fine of up to $2,000, a jail sentence of up to 90 days, or both.
When asked about concerns from critics who say jailing parents under the new ordinance could potentially separate them from their other children, Harkins emphasized that punishment isn't the primary goal.
"We're not looking to put anybody in jail," he said. "This is about warning parents and due process."
Police will provide an information sheet and warnings to parents whose children are taken into custody, Harkins said. The department also offers support services, he said, including a full-time social worker and parenting classes, to assist parents who may have difficulty parenting an unruly child.
"We understand being a parent is a tough job," Harkins said. "We're committed to giving help to those that need it."
No parents have been charged since the ordinance took effect, according to Harkins. He said the ultimate goal was to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system by ensuring parents stay involved in their children's activities.
"Many times interviewing the parents, they had no idea who their kids were with or what they were doing," Harkins said. "That's got to change."
