The Wall Township Police Department is devoted to building trust and confidence in progressive partnership with our community by equally, fairly, and proactively enforcing laws. To foster these relationships, we have always been dedicated to educating the youth of our community and make our resources and assistance available to all parents and citizens. In an effort to provide our community with transparent information on how we are currently required to enforce laws, regarding minor(s) in possession of marijuana and alcohol, we are making the community aware of changes in these laws and procedures.
Recently, the Governor has signed three bills into law regarding Marijuana Decriminalization. Though regulated Cannabis, for recreational use, is not yet available for legal purchase in NJ, the laws have changed how law enforcement must enforce possession of marijuana. Specifically, the new law addresses the process for how minor(s) in possession of marijuana or alcohol must be handled by all police officers in NJ. The law establishes a new framework for individuals under the age of 21 who possess or consume any amount of marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or alcohol in any public place, including a school:
- FIRST OFFENSE: Officers shall issue a written warning, which must include the person’s name, address, and date of birth, but the warning shall not be provided to the individual’s parent or guardian.
- SECOND OFFENSE: Officers shall issue a written warning, and also provide the person with informational materials on community drug treatment services. For individuals under the age of 18, the officer shall provide the individual’s parent or guardian with copies of the warnings issued for both the first and second offenses.
- THIRD or subsequent offense: Officers shall issue a written warning and again provide the individual with information on community drug treatment services. If the individual is between 18 and 21, then the officer shall provide notice of the written warning to the community drug treatment program; if the individual is under 18, then the officer shall again provide the juvenile’s parents or guardian with a copy of the written warning.
It is important for our residents to know that though these laws have changed the way the Wall Township Police Department must handle underage possession of marijuana and alcohol offenses and notifications, they do not change our enforcement of other applicable laws. We will continue to provide the highest level of safety, service and resources available for any children, parent or community members in need. Public safety, youth substance abuse education, enforcement and rehabilitation will remain priorities of our agency, as they are priorities of the community which we serve.
