STAFFORD, Va. — Authorities in Stafford want parents and teenagers to know that they’re looking for parties where alcohol is being served to minors.
Calling it “gathering of intelligence,” the county’s sheriff’s department will use undercover deputies to infiltrate after-prom parties to find alcohol violations.
“We want to make sure that all of our young people have a wonderful prom and graduation experience and have an opportunity to have that special time in a safe, alcohol free environment,” said Stafford County Sheriff Charles E. Jett in a press release. “We take this campaign very seriously and will be maximizing our efforts to ensure that any teenage parties or gatherings are alcohol free.”
It’s all part of an effort called “Operation Party Pooper,” and it will be rolled out over the next few weeks in three phases:
1. Gathering of intelligence concerning the location of parties or gatherings where minors would be consuming alcohol.
2. Getting the word out to the public and the media concerning the intent of this program, namely, having an alcohol free environment for the students participating in prom or graduation activities.
3. Strict enforcement that will include the arresting and or summonsing of minors in violation of alcohol laws as well as any adult found contributing, aiding or abetting.
Deputies will travel in caravans and, if called to a party where alcohol is being served to minors, will make arrests where underage alcohol consumption is taking place, according to the department.
Operation Party Pooper will run through high school graduation weekend in Stafford County.
