Concord Police Targeting Underage Drinking

Concord’s Police Department is receiving financial support in its fight against underage drinking.

According to a press release, CPD was one of 76 local police departments to receive grant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which was distributed through the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division.

CPD received a $5,000 grant, which will support stings/compliance checks for minors in establishments serving or selling alcohol, reverse stings, “shoulder taps,” “Cops in Shops” programs and party patrols, according to the press release.

“This much needed funding helps us target the problem of underage drinking on all fronts,” said Sgt. Jack Kennedy. “Whether you are underage, plan to sell to a minor, or buy alcohol for a minor, this funding promotes our effort to diligently enforce the laws against underage drinking.”

The grant supports programs that crack down on minors looking to circumvent the law, as well as the people and businesses that enable them, according to the press release.

“Teens and parents need to be reminded that underage drinking is not a game. It’s deadly serious,” Kennedy said. “Parents need to know that hosting a party where alcohol is served to minors is illegal and extremely dangerous for the minors and others in the community. Parents should also know they’ll face all legal liabilities.”

More from the press release:

Over the past two years, activities under this grant have resulted in 153 youth citations and 219 arrests. Citations were also issued to 162 adults and 272 arrests were made across the Commonwealth.

Progress has been made in Massachusetts over the last several years. Violations for underage drinking decreased 41.5% from 2007 to 2011 and arrests of drivers under 18 for operating under the influence decreased 45.4% from 2006 to 2010. Despite this hopeful trend, more work needs to be done to further reduce underage drinking and driving.

The Concord Police Department, in partnership with EOPSS, NHTSA and DOJ recognizes that traffic crashes are preventable, and is committed to using this grant to reduce the number of motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries in Concord because any loss of life or injury on our roadways is one too many.