MELROSE, MA — The police department is partnering with city health officials and Melrose High School administrators to promote safety and discourage underage drinking during prom and graduation season.
Police Chief Kevin Faller recently hosted Melrose High School Principal Jason Merrill, Public Health Specialist Emily Hatchouel and Youth Action Team Coordinator Hannah Martuscello on his “Behind the Badge” podcast on MMTV to discuss the city’s approach to youth alcohol prevention through education, outreach and enforcement.
“We want to protect the youth in our community,” Hatchouel said during the discussion. “We want to protect the high schoolers and middle schoolers as we go into this prom and graduation season.”
The conversation focused on how schools, public health officials and police are preparing for a time of year when parties and gatherings become more common. Faller launched the “Behind the Badge” podcast in January 2024 shortly after becoming chief, with support from MMTV staff.
As part of the city’s outreach efforts, Melrose High School recently held a mock crash demonstration for high school juniors intended to highlight the dangers of impaired driving. Melrose Police and Fire, McGarvey Towing, Armstrong Ambulance and Melrose Drama collaborated on the simulation, which depicted a serious injury crash scenario.
According to Merrill, the mock crash had once been an annual tradition at the school before returning this year after an absence. He credited Traffic Officer John Doherty as a driving force behind the return of the practice.
“The kids grow up super fast, and I think we need to help them along the way,” Merrill said.
Merrill also noted that the school’s student Code of Conduct addresses controlled substances and that violations can result in disciplinary action. Student-athletes may also face penalties under Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules.
Melrose High School is also piloting a student-led education program focused on substance use prevention. The initiative includes partnerships with local businesses aimed at educating both students and families about the risks of underage drinking.
“A lot of youth alcohol use happens either by youth getting access to alcohol from their home or the home of a friend,” Martuscello said. “It’s really important that we’re all keeping track of our alcohol and monitoring it, keeping a limited supply, and keeping it in a secure location.”
She also warned that homeowners can face legal consequences if underage drinking takes place in their homes, adding that the goal is to prevent dangerous situations before enforcement becomes necessary.
Faller said Massachusetts’ Social Host Law allows for fines of up to $2,000 and possible jail time for those convicted of hosting underage drinking parties.
The chief added that Melrose police plan to actively enforce underage drinking and public drinking laws throughout prom and graduation season and said officers are familiar with common gathering spots around the city.
“We’re going to be hitting that hard this summer,” Faller said. “I’m kind of putting the message out there now.”
Despite the enforcement efforts, Faller said the department’s preference is to focus on education and diversion whenever possible rather than introducing young people to the criminal justice system.
“There’s always a balance to be struck between enforcement, education, and diversion,” Faller said. “Generally, we don’t want to put kids in the criminal justice system.”
Melrose's Senior Prom is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 and the graduation ceremony will follow three days later.
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