Cops learn ways to deal with underage drinking - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Cops learn ways to deal with underage drinking

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Underage drinking is at a record high in Knox County.

A state survey shows one in ten high school students not only drink, but drink and drive.

Galesburg Police Department is training their officers to fix that problem.

Today, cops learned techniques on how to deal with underage drinking at high school parties.

First they took part in a classroom learning session, and later put that knowledge to work in an actual mock party situation.

Galesburg students helped to create a real life house party atmosphere and then officers had to go and take care of it.

"I hate to use this analogy, but it's kind of like a SWAT operation where you have a detailed plan with role assignments and things and you make that contact, you get legal entry into the home and you control what's going on," said Scott Friedlein, the Underage Drinking Enforcement Trainer.

The trainer who is also a retired police officer talked about the role of social media in underage drinking.

Kids are uploading pictures and status updates to their Facebook at parties, but it also helps cops to find out where these parties are happening.