Milford Police Dept. Receives Grant to Combat Underage Drinking

The Milford Police Department is set to receive a $5,000 grant in an effort to combat underage drinking in town, police announced this week. 

Milford is one of 76 local police departments to receive the grant on a competitive basis of varying amounts between $3,500 and $15,000. 

The grant will fund a variety of activities that include stings/compliance checks for minors in bars, restaurants and retail locations; reverse stings; "shoulder tap" and "Cops in Shops" programs; and party patrols, Milford Police said. 

"This grant provides much-needed funding to target the problem of underage drinking," said Milford Police Lt. James Falvey. "Whether you are underage, plan to sell to a minor or buy alcohol for a minor, this funding will aid us as we work diligently to enforce the law."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded a total of $532,000 in funding to Massachusetts for distribution through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division, police said. 

"Teens and parents need to be reminded that underage drinking is not a game," Falvey said. "It's deadly serious. Parents need to know that hosting a party where alcohol is served to minors is both illegal and extremely dangerous for the minors and others in the community. Parents should also know they'll face all legal liabilities."