Local News

Youth emphasis underage drinking patrols


Jan 21, 2016

Okanogan County Community Coalition will be working three law enforcement agencies this weekend to

conduct youth emphasis patrols as part of their Target Zero funding to enforce underage drinking laws.

 

Coalition Executive Director Andi Ervin said, “Working with Omak Police Department, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department, and Washington Fish and Wildlife Police, and Omak School District we will be out this weekend making sure our youth are safe and not engaging in risky behavior such as using alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana.” Ervin said, “We are not only ensuring that our youth are making good decisions, but we also expect the adults over 21 to make responsible and safe decisions to not drive impaired and not provide alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs to minors.” She said, “All officers have been trained in source investigation and will be working to hold any adults providing alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs to minors accountable.”

 

Adults caught providing alcohol to minors face fines of up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail. Providing marijuana

to minors is a felony, even if it is your own child.

 

Ervin said, “The Coalition has a long history of working closely with local law enforcement and the Okanogan County prosecutors.” She said, “Over the past four years we have provided additional training and technical assistance to our partners to effectively and visibly enforce underage drinking laws. Our county is well trained and understands the importance of this work.”

 

This weekend’s additional patrols are paid for by a grant Okanogan County Community Coalition received from Washington Traffic Safety Commission Target Zero program.

 

For more information on how to talk with your kids about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs visit

www.okcommunity.org

 


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