SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department was awarded with a $48,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.

 

According to a press release received by Canyon News from Sgt. Rudy Camarena, the grant is aimed to help develop sustainable, community-based solutions to aid in the problem involving underage and binge drinking in youth.

 

The police department was chosen because of its continued efforts to implement the education, deterrence and enforcement component of the Strategic Prevention Framework, State Incentive Grant Program. The police department 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.

Chief of Police, Jacqueline Seabrooks has expressed her appreciation 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 the community.