OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — Ocean City police officers now have the power to arrest people who repeatedly violate municipal infractions, such as smoking in a prohibited area.
WMDT-TV reports that the City Council voted unanimously Monday to pass the proposal as an emergency ordinance in order to make it go into effect immediately.
Police spokeswoman Lindsay Richards says the ordinance will ensure that boardwalk performers are following the new laws that require them to sign up through city hall and perform in a designated area.
Officers will be able to use their discretion as to whether they want to arrest someone or give them a citation.
Richards says a person who is arrested would be charged with a misdemeanor, which can carry up to a $1,000 fine or up to 90 days in jail.