KENNEBUNK — A New Year’s Eve bash in North Berwick fueled by alcohol got out of hand and police were called to an assault complaint. When they arrived at the rural location, they found many young people ”“ most of whom were under the legal drinking age of 21 ”“ allegedly consuming liquor. A dozen minors were charged with breaking alcohol-related laws.

On hand to help local police deal with the situation was a contingent of officers from other jurisdictions, part of a new task force designed to help reduce incidents of underage drinking.

The York County Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws task force is one of eight such units in the state, according to its chairman, Kennebunk Police Chief Robert MacKenzie. The task forces were created through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention, according to MacKenzie.

Underage drinking is not only against the law, but young drinkers often find themselves in difficult and potentially dangerous situations after having consumed alcohol, like driving, which can lead to accidents, injuries and sometimes fatalities. And as demonstrated on New Year’s Eve in North Berwick, it can lead to illness: One underage person at the party was treated for alcohol poisoning, North Berwick Police Chief Stephen Peasley said in an interview a day or two after the incident.

The task force is made up of officers form Biddeford, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Sanford and the York County Sheriff’s Office. MacKenzie said the task force has made it clear to all York County municipalities, however, that those not among the membership can call upon the task force for help. All members of the task force have been sworn by the sheriff’s office as York County deputies, which allows them to cross city and town boundaries in order to address underage drinking incidents. Officers working specifically designated EUDL patrol details are compensated through federal grants of about $36,000 so there are no additional costs to participating communities.

Underage drinking is widespread and it’s a problem, said MacKenzie.

York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette said while there are incidents throughout the year, warmer weather and proximity to graduation time always seems to spawn pit parties and the like.

Ouellette pointed out that there’s a zero tolerance policy regarding young people and alcohol.

“When (the task force) is called, we respond,” he said.

MacKenzie said the task force will be conducting party patrols at private homes, sand pits and other locations known for frequent gatherings, especially around high-risk events and holidays. As well, the task force will be conducting alcohol reduction details, parking lot surveillance and “cops-in-shops” where undercover officers will monitor establishments that sell liquor, looking for young people trying to buy underage or have someone buy for them. As well, minors supervised by police will attempt to buy liquor or solicit an adult to buy it for them.

“We need to work together to make an impact,” said MacKenzie. “Underage drinking is a statewide problem that has no boundaries. With the support of York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette EUDL officers will be able to work together, seamlessly, throughout York County. Such a task force will clearly have a positive impact on underage drinking.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].