Parade Day in Morristown was sunnier than usual last weekend–and wetter, too.
Police issued 33 tickets for public urination last Saturday, the day of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade. That’s up from 23 such citations in 2012.
But public drinking offenses were down (17 this year, vs. 22 last year), and so were total citations (52 vs. 53).
There also were fewer arrests this year, reported Capt. Steve Sarinelli. Five persons were arrested on charges of simple assault, possession of marijuana (two arrests), defiant trespassing and disorderly conduct.
A year ago, 22 persons were arrested (18 for disorderly conduct, four for drunk driving charges).
About 20 area law enforcement agencies lent a hand this year, said Police Chief Pete Demnitz.
Overall, the behavior of Parade Day crowds seems to be improving. In 2011, police reported issuing 135 summonses, including 88 for public drinking and 46 for public urination.
Another silver lining is financial: All of that public peeing is filling town coffers. Last year the council upped the fine to $500 for a first offense.
