Clovis, CA – Clovis Police officers and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested 22 suspects during the 4-day Clovis Rodeo for alcohol-related violations.

Clovis Police and ABC were on hand each day of the rodeo to enforce alcohol-related violations. This enforcement included a Trap Door operation in which law enforcement officers work with bars and clubs to detect the use of false IDs by minors. Under the program, those that verify ID’s will alert officers who then contact the individuals presenting the false ID. Five of the 22 arrests were for fake ID’s, and the other violations consisted of public intoxication, and minors in possession of alcohol.

“We partner with businesses and organizations in the community for these operations to help keep minors and the public safe,” said Corporal Sean O’Brien.

Participating officers are trained in false ID recognition techniques and make arrests of minors who present false IDs. The penalty for possession or use of a false ID is a $250 fine, 32 hours of community service, and a one-year suspension of their driver license.

“With help from local law enforcement and participating businesses we can reduce underage drinking and the risks associated with it to keep communities safe,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough.

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the ABC Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.