Recent news reports and social media posts have highlighted a disturbing culture of abuse, harassment and intolerance by some past and present male members of the OCBP against younger female guards, female bathers and members of the LGBTQ communities. Our Alumni Association condemns this conduct without hesitation or condition. Other reports outline a history of supervisory disinterest in exercising appropriate discipline or reporting clearly serious allegations of criminal conduct to law enforcement. When institutional discipline fails in a public safety organization, people are needlessly harmed and confidence of the rank and file evaporates. This is the unacceptable place we now find our Beach Patrol in its 123 years of history.
The Mayor and Council announced an aggressive plan to regain course, identify the perpetrators and have them prosecuted or disciplined. The County Prosecutor and Sheriff have opened investigations of the most serious criminal offenses. The City has appointed a Moderator to oversee Beach Patrol operations and ensure that non-criminal disciplinary matters receive prompt adjudication. We applaud the City administration for its swift and clear response.
These efforts however will be wasted if those victimized do not avail the remedies provided. Protections from retaliation are provided by law to those who report bad conduct in good faith. Anonymous posts are a significant and courageous start, but will not achieve Justice for the victims until the posts are supported by evidence to support prosecution, conviction, discipline and dismissal.
The concern is properly raised that some in power may put public reputation ahead of private harm. Our Association of proud alums and the legacy for generations of OCBP families will not let that happen. It is pointless to promote a reputation as the greatest family resort, with the safest beaches in the world, when we are unable to protect our own beach patrol family. We wholeheartedly urge and support every victim to exercise their right to vindicate the wrongs against them. We likewise support and encourage those who saw something to say something. The OCBP Alumni Association stands ready to assist in any way requested to help restore our proud heritage.
Ocean City Beach Patrol Alumni Association
Please consider becoming a member of the OCBP AA for 2021
Dues $25
PO Box 880
Ocean City NJ, 08226
Non-profit tax ID available upon request
