Prom Season Brings Advice from Muskego Police

 Muskego High School’s prom is May 5, which prompted a reminder from Muskego Police about having a safe and responsible event. 

Lt. David Constantineau said while teens are learning responsibility, parents still need to be vigilant.

"They go out, have a good time, and use the common sense and good judgment that their parents instilled in them.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to check up on them.  As a wise man once said, 'trust, but verify,'” he said.

Adding to concerns is not that kids will test limits (because they always have), but the trend for parents to give in to what kids may 'end up doing anyway' by hosting post-prom parties, according to Constantineau.

"Many parents seem to be of the belief that it is a foregone conclusion that high school kids are going to drink, and with that in mind, they make the misguided and illegal decision to provide not only a place for young people to drink, but in some cases, the alcohol too," he explained.

"The argument is made that their home is safe, that they are supervising, and that nobody will be driving.," Constantineau said. "Unfortunately, this conversation usually takes place after someone at one of these parties has gotten so intoxicated that they injured themselves or became incapacitated to the point that a rescue squad was needed."   

"The other thing these parents don’t seem to understand is the tremendous civil and criminal liability they expose themselves to.  A parent who provides alcohol and a place to drink for someone else’s children can be charged with a number of crimes, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  And if that kid goes out and injures or kills himself/herself or someone else, the person who supplied the alcohol can be held criminally and civilly liable," he added.  

"I understand that some parents want to be 'cool' and be their kid’s 'friend,' but let’s face it, that is not our job," Constantineau stressed. "Our job is to be the parent, and instill in our children a sense of right and wrong.  Any way you slice it, encouraging illegal and dangerous behavior on the part of our young people is wrong.  Check up on them and contact the adults in charge.  You’re not been nosy, you’re being a good parent."