Cops Push to Extinguish Pot Smoking Among Youths

The Wyckoff Police Department plan to aggressively "get the weeds out of the woods" and pursue substance abuse among township youth.

In an initiative dubbed "Operation 420," Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto and Detective Michael Musto will coordinate efforts with uniformed officers to identify and arrest youths caught drinking or smoking marijuana around the township.

Police Chief Benjamin Fox said the department has seen a great increase in recent years of youthful offenders who will hang out in wooded areas around the township or in homes of friends for the express purpose of smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol. Typically, such behavior increases as the weather warms. Accordingly, the department will aggressively monitor outdoor areas where kids and teens tend to hang out.

Fox warns parents that children will not be warned if caught with drugs or alcohol. Offenders will be charged, with minors referred to Juvenile Court. However, a high school senior who is 18 risks a criminal charge and record if convicted. "Don't let that happen," Fox said. "Be a caring parent who takes the time and makes an effort to check on your kids and know what they are doing and who their friends are. If they get together in large groups, who are they hanging out with? Don't be afraid to call the parents of your children's friends to verify that the kids really are where they claim to be. There have been countless cases over the years where police officers have picked up kids in the middle of the night, and when the parents are contacted, it's learned that they were all told different stories regarding where their child was staying. The kids get away with that when they know that their parents don't make any effort at all to verify stories."

The chief also warns parents to be aware of the phrase "420;" someone who is "420-friendly" is someone who enjoys smoking marijuana. While there are various ideas as to how the phrase originated, Fox said it's used as code by youths to talk openly about the drug in front of parents and teachers. He urges parents to consider use of the phrase as a warning sign of drug use if used by a child.

"The Wyckoff Police Department is responsible for law enforcement. Parents are responsible for their children. Because we both care about their safety, let's work together and do what we can to curb drug and alcohol use," Fox said.