Maple Valley police to emphasize “party patrols”

An effort to curb teen drinking will start with focusing parties associated with the Tahoma High School Homecoming dance

Extra police officers will be patrolling the city on Oct. 18 in an effort to reduce instances of teen drinking parties in connection with the Tahoma High School Homecoming dance, according to the Maple Valley Police Department.

Maple Valley police have historically emphasized “party patrols” during Tahoma homecoming dances and proms. The department said in a press release that extra officers will be responding to party complaints called into 911 and will also be focused on finding 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. Police say officers will also arrest and prosecute adults who furnish teens with alcohol or provide a premises for teen drinking, both violations of Washington State law.

“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,” Maple Valley Police Chief DJ Nesel said in the release. “Party patrol saves lives.”