HP Parents May Need to Pay for Police Presence at Underage Drinking Parties

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - Parents of underage kids who host drinking parties could be on the hook for the full cost of the police and paramedic responses if one idea from the Highland Park City Council comes to fruition.

City Attorney Steven Elrod will explore the legality of the premise with a goal to align the city’s policies with those of nearby towns whose students attend Deerfield High School, according to the Highland Park News.

Elrod will see if it’s legal to charge parents who know about the drinking parties with the response costs, which would be defined as the salaries and benefits of the police and fire personnel for the time spent responding to the scene.

At least one Council member has already expressed doubts at the possibility, arguing it could have an adverse affect.

"If you are making that call to police because kids are in your basement and in distress, factoring in the thought — I'm going to have to pay money for this — could be the difference between requesting assistance and parents trying to handle it on their own," Councilwoman Michelle Holleman said. "I am concerned that parents won't make the call because they are worried about paying for it. I feel this is part of the service we are paying for in Highland Park — to have police available and have them as resources."

Holleman did say she was in favor of a set fine for the parents in such instances.

More via the Highland Park News

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