The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) participated in the statewide Project Extra Mile youth alcohol enforcement / compliance check campaign between 24 October and 18 December 2009. Deputies worked four (4) compliance check operations and three (3) selective enforcement operations during that time period. Compliance checks involve the use of underage buyers to test retailers' compliance with laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. Selective enforcement includes saturation patrols looking at locations where youth might gather, including parks and private residential areas, and traffic enforcement.

The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) provided grant funds for the operations.

During the Project Extra Mile enforcement, the DCSO compiled the below listed statistics:

48        Arrests for Minor in Possession (MIP)

3          Arrests for Procuring Alcohol for Minors

10        Arrests for Sale of Alcohol to Minors

3          Arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

2          Arrests for Driving Under Suspension

2          Arrests for drug-related / miscellaneous offenses

55        Businesses checked for compliance

142      Minors contacted

19        Vehicle stops

39        Area parks checked

The DCSO supports Project Extra Miles’ mission “to create a community consensus that clearly states that underage alcohol use is illegal, unhealthy, and unacceptable.” The DCSO has a zero tolerance for underage alcohol use, for the sale of alcohol to minors, the procurement of alcohol for minors by adults, and driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs.

The DCSO thanks the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety for providing grant funds for this worthy effort!

Stay Safe during this Holiday Season!