Grant will allow police party patrol in the Port (Dec. 26, 2008)
By Emma Bouthillette
Staff Writer
Kennebunkport Selectmen accepted a $7,000 grant from the University of New England’s Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition for the Kennebunkport Police Department for prevention of underage substance abuse. Similar funds from the state office of substance abuse will benefit law enforcement departments throughout York County.
Police Chief Joseph Bruni said timing of the grant is “perfect” and he looks forward to working with the coalition, Kennebunk police and the school district to keep underage drinking in the towns under control.
The coalition’s Substance Abuse Prevention Project Director Bill Paterson said since the adolescent brain does not fully develop until the age of 24, it is important to keep children healthy and safe. This grant money will allow area police to enhance “party patrols” not just during prom and graduation time but year round, he said.
The Kennebunkport Police Department already established a relationship with the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition this past summer when they offered a day of training for local bartenders in an effort to prevent sales to underage and visibly intoxicated customers, as well as to promote a healthier and safer community and business environment.
“We’re very happy with our partnership with law enforcement departments,” Paterson said.
“We are excited about being able to continue the coalition’s support for our local law enforcement partners as we strive to reduce underage drinking in our service area,” said Director of the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition Megan Rochelo in a press release Dec. 19.
“This will help us investigate any reports of parties and our efforts to combat underage drinking especially in a school and recreational setting,” Bruni said.
He said the Kennebunkport Police Department will work with schools to extend on programs they currently have.
Paterson said the coalition offers online training to departments receiving the grant as well as resources for parents. He said parents have to understand supplying adolescents with alcohol and taking away their keys so they won’t drive isn’t the best thing to do.
Kennebunk Police Chief Robert MacKenzie said the department is very appreciative of the grant money and the coalition’s efforts in making underage drinking and substance abuse a target priority. He said the grant money will allow for more “party patrols” to track down parties where underage drinking is happening, as well as allow surveillance of local establishments selling alcohol to minors or to spot any adults purchasing alcohol for minors.
“This is a constant problem,” MacKenzie said. “We had the issue around homecoming and we ended up charging seven minors, and we hope to use this money to curtail any further problems.”
Staff Writer
Kennebunkport Selectmen accepted a $7,000 grant from the University of New England’s Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition for the Kennebunkport Police Department for prevention of underage substance abuse. Similar funds from the state office of substance abuse will benefit law enforcement departments throughout York County.
Police Chief Joseph Bruni said timing of the grant is “perfect” and he looks forward to working with the coalition, Kennebunk police and the school district to keep underage drinking in the towns under control.
The coalition’s Substance Abuse Prevention Project Director Bill Paterson said since the adolescent brain does not fully develop until the age of 24, it is important to keep children healthy and safe. This grant money will allow area police to enhance “party patrols” not just during prom and graduation time but year round, he said.
The Kennebunkport Police Department already established a relationship with the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition this past summer when they offered a day of training for local bartenders in an effort to prevent sales to underage and visibly intoxicated customers, as well as to promote a healthier and safer community and business environment.
“We’re very happy with our partnership with law enforcement departments,” Paterson said.
“We are excited about being able to continue the coalition’s support for our local law enforcement partners as we strive to reduce underage drinking in our service area,” said Director of the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition Megan Rochelo in a press release Dec. 19.
“This will help us investigate any reports of parties and our efforts to combat underage drinking especially in a school and recreational setting,” Bruni said.
He said the Kennebunkport Police Department will work with schools to extend on programs they currently have.
Paterson said the coalition offers online training to departments receiving the grant as well as resources for parents. He said parents have to understand supplying adolescents with alcohol and taking away their keys so they won’t drive isn’t the best thing to do.
Kennebunk Police Chief Robert MacKenzie said the department is very appreciative of the grant money and the coalition’s efforts in making underage drinking and substance abuse a target priority. He said the grant money will allow for more “party patrols” to track down parties where underage drinking is happening, as well as allow surveillance of local establishments selling alcohol to minors or to spot any adults purchasing alcohol for minors.
“This is a constant problem,” MacKenzie said. “We had the issue around homecoming and we ended up charging seven minors, and we hope to use this money to curtail any further problems.”
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