The Santa Monica Police Department has been awarded a $48,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
SMPD Sgt. Rudy Camarena said no matching of funds by the City of Santa Monica or the Police Department was required.
“The grant is aimed at the development of sustainable, community based solutions to the problem of underage and binge drinking in our youth,” Camarena said. “SMPD has been selected for its proven ability in effectively implementing the education, deterrence and enforcement component of the Strategic Prevention Framework, State Incentive Grant Program.”
The SMPD will immediately roll out a multi-pronged approach which consists of:
— Retail awareness campaign emphasizing responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees to limit underage access and reduce substance abuse.
— Deployment of underage decoys and undercover investigations to target chronic complaints and violations.
— Messaging and high patrol visibility to enhance deterrence by reaching student age populations to change behavior of party hosts and their guests.
SMPD Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks expressed her gratitude to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Program, the County of Los Angeles-Department of Public Health, the Westside Impact Project and the Institute for Public Strategies for their “continued support and commitment in promoting the health and safety of our community.”
