Party Patrol

In 2004/2005, the Modesto Police Department identified several underage-drinking parties hosted by minors who were attending these parties without any adult supervision. On every occasion when the Police Department responded the minors’ parents were out of town or away from the residence. Many of these juvenile drinking parties were hosted in the month of June due to several high school graduations and also hosted around school events such as homecoming, and other related sporting events. The Modesto Police Department developed “Party Patrol” in order to deal with these problems. Over the past several months, the Modesto Police Department has responded to numerous juvenile drinking parties. The Modesto Police made contact with approximately 375 juveniles and adults. Eighty-five of these minors were found to be under the influence of alcohol. Similar types of problems also exist in the rural areas of Stanislaus County. The Modesto Police Department has had a great deal of success conducting “Party Patrol” in order to deter minors from consuming alcohol and hosting these types of parties. Since “Party Patrol” was established, the Modesto Police Department has seen a reduction in alcohol related injuries and deaths related to juveniles and alcohol. The Modesto Police Department has developed a first-time offender juvenile alcohol education, prevention and intervention program. Minors contacted by the “Party Patrol” will be cited and required to attend diversion classes. The diversion class is a 4-hour class attended by the minor offender and their parents. The goal of the class is to make minors and parents aware of the dangers related to minors consuming alcohol.