Police See Spike in Underage Drinking Arrests

The number of arrests made for underage drinking has increased recently according to the Northampton Township Police Department.

A review of arrest data shows that the number of juveniles (people under the age of 18) that have been cited for liquor law violations has increased from 29 arrests in 2011 to 52 arrests so far in 2012. Police tracked information between January 1 and July 25 for both years.

The increase is considered an "unacceptable spike" by police officers.

Chief Barry Pilla told Patch that this isn't "a crime wave," but that officers sited more than 50 teens for liquor law violations, and if he speculates, 50 or 100 more could have been out in "varying states of intoxication" and not have been caught.

"How many were in cars or driving other kids around? How many were responsible for the many acts of vandalism or theft or other drug use that occurred during the same [time]?" are questions Pilla posed.

Summer Increase

Previous police blotters show that 13 citations were given for underage drinking in July alone. Additionally, in June, police from Holland who was stopped for speeding.

"Generally, we are busier in the beginning of the summer [than] the winter for several reasons," Pilla said.

He said that not as many people want to be out in the freezing weather of the winer, and that doesn't mean crimes or unacceptable behavior isn't happening. It's just more difficult to locate. Additionally, residents are out and about and observe these violations, and report them.

"By mid-July and into August as folks start to head out for vacation and the Township empties a little, our calls-for-service slow down," Pilla said. "That respite ends quickly around the end of August as everyone returns from vacation and prepares for school."

He said there is a "slight uptick in activity" around that time as some residents decide they have to get in the last excitement before leaving for college or returning to high school. 

Most of the arrests between January 1 and July 25 in 2011 and 2012 were made between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Police said the arrests in 2011 were dispersed equally across the township, but that the arrests so far in 2012 have been concentrated between Holland Road to Newtown-Richboro Road to the Neshaminy Creek, and east along Middle Holland Road to Buck Road and back towards Neshaminy Creek.

Parent Obligation and Consequences for Teens

The Police Department is asking parents to have discussions with their children about underage drinking and the dangers associated with driving while impaired. Furthermore, the police want to remind the community that liquor law violations have serious implications if arrested.

If arrested, fines, drivers license suspension and probation are all possible consequences.

"Based on the totality of the circumstances and surrounding events and or additional violations all of [those consequences are] possible," Chief Pilla told Patch.

"An important factor depending on if the juvenile is sent to our Youth Aide Panel or through the court system. Our very successful Youth Aide Panel is comprised of dedicated folks from our community. The members of the Panel work very hard to try and help their neighbor families’ work through issues and divert our kids from court."

Pilla said that both parents and youth need to play a role to enforce and obey the liquor laws. There is an adult obligation and youth responsibility.

"Parents, adult family members, friends and those adults outside the family in a leadership role need to inform and educate our youth about this topic; and act as a role model for them to follow," Pilla said. "Our youth have to accept that they are obligated to have personal responsibility for their actions."

There is information available for parents and teens through the Council Rock Coalition for Health Youth, Council Rock C.A.R.E.S. program, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Pilla said. Further more, the police department has an officer assigned as a School Resource Officer, who is stations at the school to be available for students, staff and parents.

"What it takes is [adults and youths] to reach out, grab the information and get on track," Pilla explained.

However, Pilla said that if you ask people who work with the previously mentioned groups, "the truth is they find it difficult to get the majority of parents interested in these issues—that is—until something terrible happens."