News (Media Awareness Project) - US NC: State, Local Police Enforce Drinking Regulations During |
| Title: | US NC: State, Local Police Enforce Drinking Regulations During |
| Published On: | 2001-11-01 |
| Source: | Daily Reflector (NC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-25 05:41:43 |
STATE, LOCAL POLICE ENFORCE DRINKING REGULATIONS DURING DOWNTOWN PARTY
The N.C. Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement devoted a tenth of its statewide force of 114 agents to Greenville Wednesday in anticipation of the annual downtown Halloween party.
Agents had made about 45 arrests as of midnight," according to John Simmons, ALE District II supervisor. That number was expected to swell as the night of partying continued into the wee hours.
"Those arrests include numerous drug and alcohol violations in addition to some charges of carrying concealed weapons, Simmons said. "It's early yet, and so obviously our night and our efforts are continuing."
Most violators are not actually taken into custody, according to Simmons, but issued citations. They will likely pay fines and court costs and probably won't see jail time, he said.
"However, depending on the situation and the individual circumstances, he or she may be actually taken before a magistrate and bonded," he said.
Wednesday's show of force actually started last weekend when ALE agents arrived to monitor pre-holiday festivities. Agents working Friday and Saturday arrested 82 people on alcohol-related violations.
"We want to send a very strong message," Simmons said last week. "Obey North Carolina's laws on the use of alcohol or face the consequences."
ALE officers on Wednesday monitored ABC outlets and unlicensed outlets around the city, Simmons said. He explained that unlicensed outlets could include places where parties are being held and businesses that are charging admission.
In addition to the 14 ALE agents, local law enforcement agencies devoted 130 officers to the event. Simmons said past experience led the ALE to send 14 agents to work the Greenville party.
"For example," he said, "last year we made about 302 arrests on 332 charges. Our experiences show that we need that level of enforcement.
"It's not only residents of Greenville and Pitt County, he added. "I've known them to drive from as far away as South Carolina to come to Greenville, North Carolina to party on Halloween. We certainly don't mind them partying and having a good time, but we're here to make sure they do it within the auspices of the law."
The N.C. Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement devoted a tenth of its statewide force of 114 agents to Greenville Wednesday in anticipation of the annual downtown Halloween party.
Agents had made about 45 arrests as of midnight," according to John Simmons, ALE District II supervisor. That number was expected to swell as the night of partying continued into the wee hours.
"Those arrests include numerous drug and alcohol violations in addition to some charges of carrying concealed weapons, Simmons said. "It's early yet, and so obviously our night and our efforts are continuing."
Most violators are not actually taken into custody, according to Simmons, but issued citations. They will likely pay fines and court costs and probably won't see jail time, he said.
"However, depending on the situation and the individual circumstances, he or she may be actually taken before a magistrate and bonded," he said.
Wednesday's show of force actually started last weekend when ALE agents arrived to monitor pre-holiday festivities. Agents working Friday and Saturday arrested 82 people on alcohol-related violations.
"We want to send a very strong message," Simmons said last week. "Obey North Carolina's laws on the use of alcohol or face the consequences."
ALE officers on Wednesday monitored ABC outlets and unlicensed outlets around the city, Simmons said. He explained that unlicensed outlets could include places where parties are being held and businesses that are charging admission.
In addition to the 14 ALE agents, local law enforcement agencies devoted 130 officers to the event. Simmons said past experience led the ALE to send 14 agents to work the Greenville party.
"For example," he said, "last year we made about 302 arrests on 332 charges. Our experiences show that we need that level of enforcement.
"It's not only residents of Greenville and Pitt County, he added. "I've known them to drive from as far away as South Carolina to come to Greenville, North Carolina to party on Halloween. We certainly don't mind them partying and having a good time, but we're here to make sure they do it within the auspices of the law."
Member Comments |
No member comments available...
