Operation Last Call
"Operation Last Call" is a program that targets underage drinking in the Alliance Area due to its effect on the community. The program was started in the fall of 2009 after the city suffered the death of Carrie Goodwin (age 20) in the 100 blk of E Main St as a result of acute alcohol poisoning. Goodwin was an underage female who was left alone after consuming a large amount of alcohol which she succumbed to. This death was a startling reminder to officers at the department who were working in May of 1998 when Mt Union Freshman, Christopher Schuh, age 19, drowned in the lake outside his fraternity house. Cause of death was Acute Ethanol Intoxication and Drowning. Furthermore, on June 1st, 2005 William Dailey (age 19) died as a result of a fatal gunshot wound to his face with an AK-47 rifle while he and two other underage persons were driving in the 1500 blk of S Liberty Ave and consuming alcohol as persons under 21 with the weapon in the car.
Deaths are not the only concern of the police department. In 2009 officers responded to 592 "Disturbance" calls, 147 "Fight" calls and 234 Loud Music/Party" calls. Not all of these are directly related to underage alcohol consumption, but many of them can be attributed to just that. Underage consumption is second only to Domestic Violence in the criminal offense category in Alliance based on arrests – even more prevalent than the previous crime of drug abuse.
In a 2004 report from the National Academies:
· Individuals under the age of 21 commit 45 percent of rapes, 44 percent of robberies, and 37 percent of other assaults, and it is estimated that 50 percent of violent crime is alcohol-related.
· On college campuses 95 percent of all violent crime and 90 percent of college rapes involve the use of alcohol by the assailant, victim, or both.
· More than 70,000 students aged 18-24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
In a report by the US Dept of Justice – Pacific Research Institute, alcohol use by youths costs society $52,788,000,000 in 1996.
Officers have not taken a “zero-tolerance” for underage drinking at this point as we did with drug abuse a decade ago. At this time we are promoting more of a “reduced-tolerance” enforcement for the offense. Most arrests do not come from officers actively looking for underage drinkers, or going door-to-door. They are the result of citizens calling in complaints.
Officers will usually give warnings at large parties and order the party to end. Upon a return call, any offenders are taken into custody. Cooperation goes a long way with the officers. However, officers must also consider safety. If an underage person is believed to be a safety concern, an arrest is likely.
Are primary concern is not offenders who choose to unlawfully consume alcohol while underage in the privacy of their home with a few friends, but the offenders who consume alcohol and then take to the roadways, sidewalks, bars and parties. These are the places where the highest level of danger and public annoyance will occur.
If a person is arrested under the Last Call program, they are commonly released without bond to a safe environment and scheduled to appear in court at a future date. This is done in contrast to most offenders who are required to post bond or are transported to the Stark County Jail.
Of these cases there is currently a 100% conviction rate, with only three cases still pending. The usual sentence from the court has been $250 and costs and 30 days in jail. The jail time has been suspended on condition of one year good behavior. The defendants are also ordered to attend SEG, at the completion of which they receive a $100 creditit.
Underage Consumption/Possession……………….62 arrests
Open Container ……………………………………………….9 arrests
Furnishing Alcohol to Underage Persons………….1 arrest
Attempt to Purchase Alcohol Underage ……………1 arrest
Disorderly Conduct ………………………………………….. 4 arrests
Driving Under Suspension ………………………………… 2 arrests
Allowing Unlicensed Person to Drive …………………1 arrest
For a complete listing of all those arrested, offense and location, click here.
Operation Last Call Strategies include the following tactics to try to reduce underage drinking in Alliance. As you can see, the program does not rely on enforcement alone, but education and partnership with entities within the city directly involved with the endemic.
