Morristown NJ police arrested fewer people during this year’s Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
According to officials, local law enforcement issued fewer tickets and made fewer arrests at this year’s parade than in years past.
A lieutenant with the Morristown Police Department indicated that police are “pleased to see a downward trend” in the number of arrests made during the annual parade.
Morristown police released figures from the parade. Police reportedly arrested 16 people this year, a sharp decline from the 29 people arrested during last year’s parade.
A total of 7 people were charged with disorderly conduct.
Police also issued 30 summonses for municipal ordinance violations. During last year’s parade, police issued 34 such tickets.
Additionally, police said that a total of 19 people were issued summonses for illegally drinking in public. This actually represents the same number of summonses issued for public drinking last year.
The number of citations handed out for public urination during the parade was 8. The low number is not surprising since Morristown increased the fine for a violation from $250 to $500, with repeat offenders facing a massive $1,000 fine.
The best news released by the police department was that no one was seriously injured during the parade. Emergency medical services were on hand to provide assistance; however, they had to deal with just 25 calls, none of which were very serious.
Although 6 car crashes were reported to police, there were no drunk driving incidents. Last year’s parade saw two people charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Morristown police did not provide any reasons for the decline in arrests. However, it is possible that poor weather conditions might have meant that fewer people turned out for the parade.
To learn more, go to the NJ.com article entitled “Arrests Day of Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Almost Drop in Half.”
