On April 18, extra Maple Valley police officers will be out around the city in an effort to reduce the instances of teen drinking parties in connection with the Tahoma High School prom.

The Maple Valley Police have historically included emphasis “party patrols” during Tahoma HS homecoming dances and proms. The extra officers will be responding to party complaints called into 911 and will also be focusing on impaired drivers.

The police generally respond with a zero tolerance on these emphasis nights to juveniles consuming alcohol and incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol.Police officers will also arrest and prosecute adults who furnish teens with alcohol orprovide a premises for teen drinking, both violations of Washington State law.

When asked about Party Patrol, Maple Valley Police Chief, DJ Nesel, replied, “We believe in party patrol because it’s a direct way for the police to help protect our teens from the temptation to consume alcohol and potentially get behind the wheel of a car. Party patrol saves lives.”

The Maple Valley Police want all Tahoma High School Prom participants to have a great time without the consumption of alcohol and drugs.