(Richmond, Ky.) –Kentucky State Police Captain Greg Crockett presented the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) with grant funds for an underage drinking enforcement project. KSP serves as the designated state administrator for the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) grant. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) block grant.
Left: Captain Crockett presents Sheriff Coyle with four Intoximeter PBT’s. Right: A demonstration of the Intoximeter PBT (Pictured from L. to R. are Trooper Robert Purdy, Richmond Mayor Jimmy Barnes, Circuit Court Clerk Darlene Snyder, Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger, and Madison County Sheriff Mike Coyle).
Madison County is home to four high schools and two colleges. Students at Madison Central High School, Madison Southern High School, Berea Community School and Model Laboratory School as well as Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College all have potential underage drinking issues. Sheriff Mike Coyle says Madison County has a dense population of students and drivers under the age of twenty-one and for this reason, he plans to step up DUI enforcement details during the next few months.
“During my 35 years in law enforcement I have seen too many people decide to drink and drive. Driving under the influence is one of the most irresponsible acts that any citizen can make” says Sheriff Coyle. “We will be using the new equipment during the upcoming high school proms and graduations in an effort to combat underage drinking”.
In a presentation ceremony today at the MCSO, Captain Crockett presented Sheriff Coyle four Intoximeter PBT’s valued at $1300 for use with this project.
Captain Crockett says this equipment will be used to help curb underage drinking by educating the youth of its’ inherit dangers.
"EUDL grant activities specifically target the ability of youth to gain access to alcohol," remarked Crockett. "Kentucky's youth are the future of the Commonwealth and we must utilize every effort available to protect this most valuable asset."
Crockett said the two agencies will work together to remove impaired drivers from Madison County roadways to ensure a safe prom and graduation season.
