MEDIA ADVISORY

The San José Police Department has been awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors and reduce alcohol-related crimes.

This grant will be administered by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and will aid SJPD with multiple enforcement, educational, and prevention programs. Programs funded through the grant include Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap operations.

“These grants help improve the quality of life in neighborhoods by addressing alcohol-related concerns through effective programs,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough.

Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap operations each involve a minor under the supervision of a peace officer. The minor decoy goes to an ABC-licensed business and attempts to purchase alcohol from a store clerk or receive it from a patron. If a clerk or patron furnishes alcohol to the minor, they can be cited or arrested, and face fines and community service.

The grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining the resources of local police officers and ABC agents. ABC agents have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws and can help communities reduce alcohol-related problems.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from Office of Traffic Safety through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.