Youth Impaired Driving Manual for Sheriffs

• NCJ Number: 197695
• Author(s): Roland Caillouet; Roger Fraser; John Russell
• Date Published: March 2001
• Length: 23 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admin; National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
• Sale Source: US Dept of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admin
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This manual is designed to encourage sheriffs' offices, as well as other law enforcement agencies, to take the lead in working with other interested community groups in a coordinated effort to reduce alcohol-related delinquency, especially traffic offenses.

Abstract

The information presented in this publication is based on the experiences and insights of officials involved in a special educational pilot project, other State highway safety program coordinators, and youth-drinking enforcement practices proven effective in various jurisdictions across the country. The first section of the manual focuses on administrative considerations in countering youth alcohol-related offenses. The first step is a thorough needs assessment, based on factual information regarding the prevalence and manifestations of youth alcohol abuse and related behaviors and current law enforcement responses. Suggestions are offered for conducting this assessment. Topics covered in this section include problem identification, resources, and training. The second part of the manual addresses program strategies. These are divided into direct enforcement strategies (saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, party patrols, vendor "stings," hotel "stings," point of purchase, third-party sales, and controlled dispersal of resources); and educational strategies. The latter include classes that simulate the influence of drinking on driving for youth, educational programs that encourage sobriety at graduation/prom parties, an underage drinking task force, and the use of geographical information systems and global positioning systems. Part Three of the manual profiles alternative enforcement programs that have proven effective throughout the country. The four programs described targeted underage drinking parties and related impaired driving, an educational program for youth that gave them the experience of impaired driving under simulated conditions, youth- involved educational programs and alcohol-free parties for youth, and a program that targeted late-night cruising and crowds with associated drinking. Appended training programs and materials