Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Chapter 76, Peace and Good Order, was adopted by the Township Council 8-2-76 by Ord. No. 292. Subsection A lists numbered prohibitions that open with 'No person shall, within the limits of the Township of Monroe.' Paragraph (10) is the loitering rule. It reaches a person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, who loiters or creates a disturbance in any public street or public or quasi-public place or any public conveyance, or who goes in or upon private property not his own without the permission of the owner or other person having authority to grant it. Section 76-2 defines minor, parent, person and violation of the public peace, but it does not define loiter, so the wording of paragraph (10) is the whole standard. Subsection B adds a catch-all: all other riotous conduct, indecent conduct, breach of the peace and vagrancy not specifically mentioned are prohibited.

Neighboring paragraphs cover related conduct. Paragraph (9)(b)[2] bars obstructing, molesting or interfering with any person lawfully in any place, public or private. Paragraph (25) bars entering or trespassing on the land of another person, or on Township or public property, without lawful permission.

Enforcement sits with the Police Department. Under § 76-5 every member of the Police Department and every special police officer has authority to arrest, without first obtaining a warrant, a person who violates the chapter in his presence or sight and to bring that person forthwith before the Municipal Judge. When the violation is not committed in the officer's presence or sight, the witness first makes a sworn complaint before the judicial officer, who issues a warrant. Police officers can sign complaints on information and belief if they set forth the source of the information and the basis of the belief. Under § 76-3 all fines collected go into the Township treasury.