Connecticut Haddam and Killingworth State Troopers Conduct Underage Drinking Patrols on Graduation Night
An underage drinking patrol was conducted on June 24, 2013. The patrol was conducted by Haddam Resident Trooper James Connelly and Killingworth Resident Trooper Matthew Ward. Three infractions for underage drinking were issued at a house party in Killingworth. A tip from a community member about the event enabled Troopers to interrupt the party before anyone was harmed or highly intoxicated. Over fifteen youth were found at the party. All parents were called to inform them of the party.
Haddam and Killingworth Resident State Troopers, along with Troopers from Troop F, work with members of the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition to help reduce underage drinking through Party Patrols and Controlled Party Dispersal. This partnership enables the Troopers to focus on prevention and allows parties to be dispersed in a safe controlled manner. “Our partnership with the coalition allows us to increase enforcement which is essential in reducing alcohol and drug use and promoting wellness in the community,” said Trooper Connelly. Party Patrols are conducted throughout the year.
The coalition has an anonymous tip line (860-663-1765) where community members can report suspected underage drinking, drug use and or unsupervised parties. “The tip line has prevented many parties from occurring and is a great way to engage the community in preventing risky behavior,” reported Trooper Ward. The Tip line was implemented in 2009 and is utilized several times throughout the year.
According to the Connecticut’s Social Host Law, not only is it against the law for minors to consume alcohol, but it is illegal for minors to possess alcohol on public or private property. Parents and homeowners can be held responsible with fines and jail time even when they are not on the premises or did not provide the alcohol.
Funding for the underage drinking party patrols is provided by the Drug Free Communities Support Program of the U.S. Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. received by the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition. This is an on-going continued collaboration between the Haddam and Killingworth Resident Trooper's offices, Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition and Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth to keep our youth safe and prevent underage drinking in our communities.
Comprised of dedicated volunteers and youth service agencies in Haddam and Killingworth, the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition is engaging youth and adults in advancing wellness. Funding is provided by the Drug Free Communities Support Program of the U.S. Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To learn more and get involved, visit www.hc-hk.org
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
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