Staff Writer
A group of officials from across Aroostook County gathered recently in Presque Isle with one simple goal in mind – curtailing underage drinking among adolescent youth in the County.
“We’re (law enforcement and community officials) are starting PACT – Police and Communities Together – in conjunction with “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” – an effort to address the underage drinking problem,” said Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin.
PACT is new to the County but not to Asselin, who developed the program while working in Skowhegan.
Under the program, parents or guardians can enter an agreement with local law enforcement to check on adolescents when adults have to be away from home. Asselin said too often parents overlook children accessing alcohol when the parents are away, not taking into consideration the consequences.
“A lot of parents don’t realize the outcome – ramifications like lawsuits, possible alcohol poisoning. They’re (the parents) doing a disservice to themselves and the community,” he said.
“Many believe it’s ok as long as a parent is present but it’s not,” said Sheriff James Madore, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
“Alcohol is still the number one drug of choice in the County,” added Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan.
In one of the first joint activities of its kind, law enforcement personnel from several communities are teaming up to take part in the program, in an effort to prevent underage drinking. With prom and graduation season under way, officials believe now is an ideal time to put the program into action.
Gagnon said parents can include names of those allowed on the premises while they’re away, as well as license plates for vehicles allowed at the home.
“If an officer finds a person whose name isn’t on the list or a vehicle with a plate not on the list, they can request that party to leave and notify the parent or guardian of what they found,” said Gagnon.
According to Asselin, Clare Desrosiers, MSW, Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), was instrumental in getting the funding to make the project a reality.
Under PACT, law enforcement agencies conduct random patrol checks of property if requested by a parent or guardian. The service is offered to any parent or guardian who will be away from their residence for an extended period of time and a child between the ages of 15-19 is remaining at the home. An extended period of time is defined as being out of town overnight or longer.
“PACT patrols are unobtrusive and are not covered by a grant but as part of regular law enforcement duties,” said Asselin.
Also taking part in the recent meeting were: Ashland Police Chief Cyr Martin; Lt. Darrell Ouellette, Troop F, Maine State Police; and Carol Bell, project director, Aroostook Healthy Maine Partnership, Aroostook County Action Program.
