The $14,000 two-year grant, which runs from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010, will be a huge boost to the local department, according to Chief Scott MacMaster.

"It will allow us to increase our foot patrols in the downtown area, especially during the summer," said MacMaster. "We still have problems with vandalism and much of it is alcohol-related."

The chief also plans to beef up his "party patrols" to curb gravel pit and island parties, mostly frequented by teens.

MacMaster said there have been at least four "serious incidents" related to the outdoor gatherings. "We had a vehicle accident with serious personal injury, a sexual assault and one young person suffered a back injury," said MacMaster.

While the summer population usually swells with tourists and day visitors, MacMaster said that most of the teens charged with alcohol-related incidents are either locals or former residents who come up for the weekend to visit family and friends. "With only office available per shift, this grant will allow to do a lot more with extra manpower," said MacMaster. "People need to realize the serious consequences of alcohol abuse."

Out of the $14,000, $4,000 will go to the Piscataquis County Sheriff's Department which has participated in this project in previous years.

This will help the sheriff's department mentor the Greenville Police Department and share information about implementing the strategies and lessons learned from their experiences.

The Piscataquis County Sheriff's Department is a "vital link" in the enforcement process, said MacMaster, because they patrol many areas just outside the town limits where parties often crop up.

Acting Director of the Office of Substance Abuse, Guy Cousins, said that law enforcement plays a critical role in reducing underage drinking in our state.

"This is a community problem and it takes an entire community working together to solve it," Cousins said. "Research shows that alcohol kills more children than all illegal drugs combined. Many adolescents drink alcohol that was purchased by their parents and many do so without their parents' knowledge.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, March 18, 2008 edition of the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."