NCJ Number
206956
Date Published
August 2006
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This guide provides information on underage drinking and how law enforcement can reduce the harm by understanding and responding to the problem of underage drinking.
Abstract
In order for law enforcement to assist in the prevention of underage drinking, law enforcement must know how to best analyze and address the identified problem. Supported by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), U.S. Department of Justice, this guide was developed to assist law enforcement officers who must address the problem of underage drinking in analyzing the problem and responding through the development of effective strategies. The guide draws on research findings and police practices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The guide begins by describing the problem of underage drinking and reviewing factors that contribute to it. It identifies a series of questions to assist in analyzing local drinking problems. It also reviews responses to the problem, as well as what is known about the responses and what is known about the responses from evaluative research and police practice. An analysis of the problem must then be conducted in order to provide a better understanding of the factors contributing to it. Once the problem is analyzed and a baseline for measuring effectiveness is established, law enforcement responses in addressing the problem should logically follow. The guide provides for consideration recommended response strategies to address the underage drinking problem and meet the needs of your community. Effective response strategies range from reducing the community’s overall alcohol consumption to applying informal social control. Appendix and references