Silver Beach enforcing behavior guidelines as summer months approach

As crowds head to the lake shore this summer, deputies say they’ll be stepping up enforcement to crack down on disruptive behavior at area beaches.

"Zero tolerance" is what the Berrien County Sheriff Office says they're going to have at places like Silver Beach when it comes to the type of behavior they will allow.

Officials say Monday’s beach disturbance and shooting will not be the standard this summer.

Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit says Monday's disturbance sparked a meeting with neighboring law enforcement agencies, which are now planning to strictly enforce the ordinances put in place just last summer.

"Remember last summer there were some changes to the ordinance. So, we can enforce marijuana, any type of alcohol. We can deal with loud music. We can actually make people leave certain areas. We have closed the entire park down, but we can basically say you can't be here anymore, and then basically they can't come back for six months" says Heit.

The sheriff's office plans to add more patrol officers at Silver Beach this summer.

Heit says neighboring school resource officers will be used this summer to help patrol local beaches.

The Berrien County Parks Department says they're grateful to have all the different law enforcement officers available this summer.

Especially when particular beach goers cause a disturbance.

"We understand people have a variety of different music tastes, but please, you know, respect the public that's around you. We don't need to listen to your loud, profane music down here. If it becomes excessive, we will do something about that" says Berrien County Environmental Property Manager Jaysen Fields.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s department also exploring the option of a new safety app for your smart phone.

Heit says he is working with TheSheriffApp.com, which would allow updates to be sent out alerting Berrien County residents in real time.

But he says officer presence is the key deterrent for another beach disturbance.

"It's intended for families to have a great time. If you want to have a great time, come here to Silver Beach. If you want to cause trouble and do some of that, this is not going to be the place to be because we're going to take the same enforcement action we did on Monday and continue to do that" says Heit.

Officials say it’s takes not just law enforcement to enforce the rules but takes the whole community to allow everyone to enjoy the beach this summer.

https://wsbt.com/news/local/silver-beach-enforcing-behavior-guidelines-as-summer-months-approach
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Видео Silver Beach enforcing behavior guidelines as summer months approach канала WSBT-TV