There's trouble in store for minors: Cops in Shops Middletown police receive grant to post undercover officers in liquor stores BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent MIDDLETOWN - In a continuous effort to combat the underage purchasing and consumption of alcohol, the Middletown Police Department has received an $8,000 grant to fund its Cops in Shops program. Cops in Shops primarily involves the staffing of undercover police in local liquor stores to make arrests for illegal purchases of alcohol. The initiative will enter its eighth year, with the current cycle set to run until May 2008. "The whole focus is that it is a cooperative effort between the police department and the liquor store," Sgt. Darren Schwedes said. Rounds are usually made by two police officers for about four hours at a time, placed inside or outside stores. Clerks work with the officers to identify and arrest those making illegal purchases. The police department has been pleased with the program's success in the past. In the 2006-07 cycle, which ended in May, 23 arrests were made over the course of 19 details. In one instance about two years ago, an arrest involving a fake ID even led to the eventual arrest of a producer of such IDs. "It's pretty effective," said Schwedes. "I think if we didn't have the program, the numbers would skyrocket." Schwedes also noted the welcome cooperation of the stores and the positive responses the program has gotten from post-evaluations. Another aspect of Cops in Shops is the education of liquor stores and the public about the dangers and consequences of illegal acts involving alcohol, particularly when associated with minors. Clerks are instructed on what to look for when spotting minors as well as on their civil liabilities in selling alcohol. "The word is out there," Swedes said, noting how awareness of the program is brought to local schools. Schwedes hopes to make the program even more recognized by the public this year. "I don't think kids realize they can get their driver's license taken away for buying alcohol," he said. Consequences of an arrest include a $500 fine as well as loss of driving privileges for six months. In the same vein of creating awareness, grant money will also be used for public service announcements to be aired on the municipal cable Channel 20. With the success of the program in Middletown, Schwedes hopes surrounding areas will recognize its importance and benefits to the public. "My hope is that it will expand to other towns," he said. "Funds are available; towns just have to apply for it." He said genuine concern for the community's best interest and safety defines the program. Its message is simple: "Don't purchase alcohol underage," Schwedes said.