Four Monrovians Arrested in Statewide Alcohol Sweep

From a Press Release:

Investigators from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and officers from over 90 local law enforcement agencies joined forces on Friday, March 16, 2012, in the largest Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation ever assembled in California.

The operation was conducted statewide for the first time ever. The task force operation resulted in 4 local arrests. Statewide over 300 adults were cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors and dozens more were arrested for other crimes, such as public drunkenness, driving under the influence, drugs, parole violations and outstanding warrants.

ABC Investigators and local law enforcement conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which can lead to the arrest of adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromised health, and can result in unintentional injury and death.