Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Statewide Crackdown on Underage Drinking and Fake IDs at Summer Concerts
New Detection Equipment Utilized for the First Time, Aiding Investigative Efforts at End-of-Summer Events Prevent Underage Drinking
Governor Cuomo announced the results from a statewide crackdown on underage
drinking and fake identification at summer concerts and other underage
hotspots, which netted 133 arrests and the confiscation of 63 false identification
documents. Leading up to Labor Day, the unannounced enforcement actions
were carried out at various concert venues and bars across the state by
the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Division of Field Investigation
in partnership with law enforcement agencies. The Governor previously
announced the
operation as part of a continued effort to deter underage drinking and discourage
the purchase of fake IDs.
“Possessing a fake ID and drinking underage is not only illegal,
but can also lead to bad decisions with life-long consequences,"
Governor Cuomo said. "By continuing to crack down on this reckless behavior we are seeking
to both avoid needless tragedies and send that message that underage drinking
just isn’t worth it.”
In addition to standard techniques employed by DMV investigators, during
this crackdown they used a portable document scanning workstation for
the first time ever. The document scanning workstation allows investigators
to scan the IDs of individuals attempting to purchase alcohol and instantly
detect alterations and counterfeits.
The results of Operation Prevent:
Location |
Date |
Event |
Arrests |
IDs Confiscated |
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center |
August 29 |
Rascal Flatts |
20 |
7 |
City of Albany |
September 3 |
n/a |
8 |
8 |
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center |
September 3 |
Luke Bryan concert |
22 |
11 |
CMAC, Canandaigua |
September 3 |
Dierks Bentley concert |
10 |
1 |
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center |
September 4 |
Luke Bryan concert |
42 |
14 |
City of Cortland |
September 4 |
n/a |
23 |
14 |
Saratoga Performing Arts Center |
September 6 |
Zac Brown Band concert |
9 |
9 |
During these types of sweeps, anyone in possession of a fraudulent ID
is arrested and their fake identity documents are confiscated. Individuals
are charged with criminal sanctions and face administrative action that
usually results in a suspension of their license for a minimum of 90 days.
DMV conducted Operation Prevent sweeps in conjunction with the Albany
Police Department, City of Cortland Police Department, Genesee County
Sheriff’s Office, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and
the New York State Park Police.
DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, “Throughout the course of this coordinated crackdown on underage
drinking and fake IDs, our investigators ensured that our young adults,
and New Yorkers on the roads, were safe. We hope that our efforts continue
to send the message that the use of fake IDs is unacceptable, and that
underage drinkers breaking the law will be caught.”
Many individuals arrested for fraudulent driver licenses or identification
documents purchase these documents over the internet from foreign companies.
Not only is this illegal, but it also increases the chance of becoming
victims of identity fraud and theft. More information can be found
here.
DMV and the State Liquor Authority
recently teamed up to educate bar owners, security personnel, and service staff of licensed
establishments about new security features included on driver licenses,
permits, and ID cards issued by the state. A
new electronic brochure has been distributed to thousands of bar owners across the state that
provides a description of the advanced security features in these forms
of identification to make it easier for owners and staff at establishments
with liquor licenses to authenticate them and identify fake IDs. Convenience
store owners and law enforcement agencies have since been sent the electronic brochure.
These enforcement actions were supported by the
Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to deter minors from abusing alcohol and driving while impaired. The legal
drinking age in New York State is 21.
About DMV
The
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is a national leader in providing efficient, innovative, and responsive
government services. The agency issues secure identity documents, delivers
essential motor vehicle and driver related services, and administers motor
vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect consumers. For more
information, visit
dmv.ny.gov,
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@nysdmv on Twitter.