New Jersey governor signs bill that cracks down on public brawls

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A new law in New Jersey cracks down on public brawls, threatening jail time to anyone who incites one.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law Monday, garnering reaction in several towns where events have been canceled due to disorderly behavior.

Gloucester Township should be preparing for its annual carnival, but instead, it has been postponed indefinitely due to threats of violence.

"I thought it was disgusting, you ruined it for a whole township, a whole county," said one resident, recalling last year's Gloucester Township Day, when family fun turned into fights. About 500 teens brawled in the streets, and three officers were hurt trying to break up the crowds.

"Just reckless and lawless," said Police Chief David Harkins.

Out of that chaos came the "Public Brawl Law," a new law that allows authorities to charge anyone who starts a brawl.

"When you instigate the public brawl, when you bring it about through your social media, you're going to get 18 months in prison," said Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, who represents the 4th district, which includes Gloucester Township.

The fights, however, are happening in communities across New Jersey.

Over Memorial Day weekend, at least 73 people were arrested in Seaside Heights after multiple fights and stabbings.

Last month, police in Mays Landing shut down the spring carnival because of fights.

Lawmakers say they felt the need to take action.

"It's necessary because families don't feel safe taking their children out to public events anymore," said Hutchison.

Police hope the threat of jail time will deter fights.

"Our hope is that it gives us another tool, that it sends the message to young people that this lawlessness is not going to be tolerated," said Harkins.

"It's not just 'throw them in jail,' because then you just have them in the system. It doesn't solve anything," said Shakerra Smith, who added she wouldn't want a fight happening at a carnival her children are at.

Others, however, don't think it goes far enough.

"I think they should be held responsible and so should their parents, especially if they're underage," said one resident.

There is another bill working its way through the statehouse addressing parent responsibility, too. If passed, parents could be fined up to $1,000 if their children participate in disorderly behavior.