Dear Editor:
The first Saturday of March has traditionally marked the beginning of the St. Patrick’s Day season in Hoboken, and we are preparing for thousands of people to visit our beautiful city.
In past years, some of our residents and guests became disorderly and unruly, making it a difficult and unpleasant day for our residents. There has been excessive damage to private property and even attacks on public safety officials. In order to keep our city under control and create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, I will have all of my officers working on that day, out on our streets, on patrol. We will also have assistance from multiple outside agencies, including the county sheriff’s office.
My officers will be strictly enforcing all criminal and motor vehicle laws as well as all city ordinance violations. The Fire Department will be conducting occupancy inspections throughout the city to ensure that homes and businesses do not become dangerously overcrowded. Residents may report any concerns to the Police Department at (201)-420-2100.
The following are among the more common violations where there will be a zero tolerance policy in effect for the day:
1) City Ordinance 145-23 A/B (Consumption of Alcohol/Open Container in Public) Any person seen possessing an open container of alcohol in public faces maximum penalties of a fine up to $2,000, and the possible sentence of having to perform community service.
2) City Ordinance 145-22 (Urinating in Public) Any person observed urinating on public streets, sidewalks or in parks faces maximum penalties of a fine up to $2,000, and the possible sentence of having to perform community service.
3) City Ordinance 145-18 (Disorderly House) House parties have become our largest problem. In past years, most of the calls we responded to were for disorderly house parties. This year, when a party is deemed to be unreasonably reckless, disorderly and unsafe, the renter or owner of the apartment or house will be charged with violating this ordinance. Along with the issuing of the summons, the Hoboken Police Department will shut the party down and clear out the apartment or house if it is determined that a hazardous or reckless condition exists. The maximum penalty for this violation is a fine of up to $2,000 and the possibility of having to perform community service.
4) New Jersey State Statute 2C: 33-2a (Disorderly Conduct, Improper Behavior) A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if “with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he, 1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior, or 2) Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.” This offense carries maximum penalties of a 30 day prison term and a fine not to exceed $500.
I ask all the residents and guests of our city to please be considerate to everyone on this day, and to inform all family and friends to act respectfully and remain orderly. Once again, we want this to be an enjoyable, but more importantly, safe day. The Hoboken Police Department will do everything within their powers to keep it as such. Finally, Do Not Drink and Drive. You may injure yourself or others, and if caught, you will be arrested.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Falco, Sr.
Chief of Police