Police officials in Newark are reporting that police will be initiating the strict enforcement of **"Obstructing of Public Passages"** laws this summer.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, beginning today (Saturday), members of the Newark Police Division will be issuing summonses to individuals who obstruct public passageways by purposely or recklessly obstructing any public passageway.
This will and must include (sidewalk, street, roadway or entrance to a business, building or other public space), without a legal right to do so Director Ambrose continued.
Director Ambrose said to obstruct means to render the area impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard.
“We are strictly enforcing this law in response to citizen complaints,” Director Ambrose said.
“During summer months complaints from our residents increase significantly about their inability to utilize sidewalks and having to walk in the street to avoid groups of individuals standing on the sidewalk and blocking it. Residents walking to the store, a bus stop or simply out taking a walk shouldn’t be forced to walk in the street to travel around individuals blocking a sidewalk,” he added.
“Enforcing this law is important because the safety of our residents and visitors is best served when everyone is afforded a clear passage along our sidewalks, streets, public spaces and into buildings,” Director Ambrose said.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about individuals obstructing public passages to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.