Collingswood Police Ramp Up Juvenile Ticketing

Watch out, Collingswood kids. The borough police department has a ticket quota to fill, and you're right in its crosshairs.

Starting June 21, "the Collingswood Police Department has been instructed to write as many tickets possible to kids 12 and under this summer," reads a statement from the borough.

"Kids caught wearing their helmets will be issued a ticket – for a free water ice!"

The program incentivizes helmet safety for young children, who will naturally be more active in the warmer, school-free days of summer.

Bikers, scooters, and skaters can all redeem their coupons for free small water ice from Cabana Water Ice, which is donating its product to the campaign.

Bike and pedestrian safety has been a recurring concern in the borough. New ticketing initiatives designed to keep motorists from running through stop signs have been in effect since earlier this year.

They didn't help a Collingswood woman who was struck by a car during St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Haddon Township, however, or a Collingswood teen who bounced off a Mustang while crossing Haddon Avenue later that month. 

During the latest town forum, Mayor James Maley even told those in attendance that a bike helmet saved his son from serious injury as a teen.

“Summer is about safety as much as it is about fun,” said Collingswood Police Chief Rich Sarlo in a statement from the borough.

“We can’t stress enough how important helmets are and we’re happy to be involved in anything that encourages kids to wear them. Plus, it’s a great way for neighborhood kids to get to know their police officers.”