The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control awarded the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office a $97,000 grant to reduce alcohol-related crimes in the county. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the money will primarily be used to address alcohol-related incidents in both Isla Vista and Goleta.
The grant — which is through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program — has two primary purposes: keeping alcohol away from minors and holding businesses that supply minors with alcohol accountable.
“This grant is important to enhance our efforts to protect the youth in our community by keeping alcohol away from minors and holding businesses who violate the law accountable,” Lieutenant John Maxwell said in the press release. “The sheriff’s office greatly appreciates our partnership with California ABC in working to reduce the harm that results from alcohol-related crimes.”
Arrest data from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shows that alcohol-related crimes, such as a minor in possession of alcohol, possession of an open container and public intoxication make up approximately 60% of crimes in Isla Vista.
The press release said APP grants “enhance public safety” by allowing law enforcement to work with ABC agents who bring their expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to the table.
The ultimate goal is to reduce alcohol-related crimes within communities.
