Curfews in Ocean City: Controlling Rowdy Teens or Displacing the Problem?

Ocean City's implementation of curfews, beach closings, and backpack bans to address unruly teen behavior on the boardwalk has resulted in the displacement of the problem to other areas of the town, according to police Chief Jay Prettyman. While the measures have reduced incidents on the beach, they have led to an increase in issues such as criminal mischief, noise complaints, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct in other parts of Ocean City. Despite the inconvenience, Prettyman recommends continuing the restrictions to prevent the overrun of large volumes of juveniles in the town.