LAW OFFICERS VIEWS ON ENFORCEMENT OF THE MINIMUM DRINKING AGE - A 4-STATE STUDY

Qualitative data on enforcement of the minimum drinking age in the Uni ted States were obtained through indepth interviews with law enforceme nt officers in May and June 1992. Interviews were conducted with 37 su pervisory and line law enforcement personnel in 15 city and county law enforcement agencies in four States. The selected agencies had varyin g levels of enforcement as measured by arrest rates. Interviews focuse d on the social and political context of enforcement of the drinking a ge, constraints to enforcement, and officers' recommendations for impr oving enforcement efforts. Officers generally perceive an acceptance o f youth drinking by many segments of their communities, and they do no t receive significant encouragement from community members to increase enforcement efforts. political factors are thought to play some role in determining enforcement levels, especially in sheriffs' departments . Reported constraints on enforcement of the minimum drinking age incl ude resource limitations, a number of practical problems, perceptions that punishments are inadequate, time and effort required for processi ng and paperwork, and the low status accorded enforcement of the minim um drinking age. Officers report facing a number of evidentiary and pr ocedural challenges. Officers suggested a number of ways in which enfo rcement of the minimum drinking age could be improved.