Hopewell Township Police

In a message released to residents of Hopewell Valley, police administration said that one aspect not expected under the new laws signed on Feb. 22 had been the prohibiting of police departments to notify parents or guardians, if young people under 21 years old are found to possess marijuana or alcoholic beverages as a first offense.

After reviewing the new policy, what presents itself as most problematic to the police department is our inability to freely communicate with parents. Our police department has always sought the implementation of non-punitive measures for the majority of juvenile offenses including underage alcohol or marijuana possession or consumption. Formal charges have always been a last resort. Over the years, we have diligently worked with the school administration to keep our students safe and provided open lines of communication with parents.