05/20/2026
⚠️ PRESS RELEASE via City of Wildwood Police Department:
The Wildwood Police Department has been made aware of numerous social media posts regarding potential pop-up parties / adolescent takeovers that may occur in Wildwood for Memorial Day weekend.
Through requests to the New Jersey State Police Intelligence Units and with the assistance of the Cape May County Prosecutors' Office, we have identified several specific posts associated with Wildwood.
Detectives have identified two of the promoters of these unsanctioned takeovers, and they have already been served with cease-and-desist notices.
Additionally, they will be charged with N.J.S. 2C:33-2D Disturbance at a Public Gathering for inciting these types of unsanctioned takeovers, which they know will disrupt the public.
As we work to try to identify more promoters of these unsanctioned takeovers, we would caution anyone coming to Wildwood with the intent of taking over any part of our City that they will be met with swift enforcement of not only New Jersey state laws, but also our local ordinances codified for these types of issues.
They include our 10:00 PM curfew for minors not in the presence of their legal guardians, legal guardians will be charged for allowing a dependent to violate the 10:00 PM curfew, no backpacks on our boardwalk after 8:00 PM, and the closure of the boardwalk at 1:00 AM.
Chief Joseph Murphy stated, "We have been planning to mitigate the potential public safety concerns associated with these types of unsanctioned takeovers. The very nature of these investigations are very difficult due to the many social media platforms being utilized to promote these unsanctioned takeovers.
“Through operational planning and multiple shared service agreements, we will have resources from the Cape May County Sheriffs' Department and the New Jersey State Police working alongside our officers throughout the holiday weekend. We would recommend that owners/operators of short-term rental properties (motels, condos, rooming house, etc.) be more vigilant with screening of their renters for this weekend.”
Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland stated, "Let me be clear-any individual who organizes, promotes, or participates in these unsanctioned gatherings that threaten public safety will face swift and decisive legal action. The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office will work hand-in hand with the Wildwood Police Department and our regional partners to identify those responsible and hold them fully accountable under New Jersey law.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness or disorder in our communities, and those who choose to disregard the law should expect significant consequences. Our collective priority is to protect the safety and quality of life for our residents and visitors, and we are fully prepared to act."
The Wildwood Police Department along with our law enforcement partners will continue to monitor the situation as we move towards the holiday weekend.
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Added Deputy Mayor of Wildwood Steve Mikulski, in a follow-up statement:
“As Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Public Safety, I fully support Chief Joseph Murphy, the Wildwood Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners as they proactively work to stop these unsanctioned pop-up parties and adolescent takeovers before they become a public safety issue.
“Wildwood is a family-friendly shore community. We welcome visitors who come here to enjoy our beaches, Boardwalk, businesses, and events respectfully. Those coming here looking to create chaos, disorder, violence, or intimidation will be met with zero tolerance and swift enforcement of both state laws and local ordinances.
“Our Police Department has worked tirelessly behind the scenes coordinating with the New Jersey State Police, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and regional law enforcement agencies to protect our residents, visitors, and businesses heading into Memorial Day Weekend.
“This is exactly why proactive public safety measures matter.
“To our officers and law enforcement partners — thank you for your hard work, professionalism, and dedication.
“And to anyone planning to bring trouble to Wildwood this weekend — save yourself the trip.
“Wildwood means business.”
