Henrico police chief promises criminal charges for underage drin - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

NBC12 is talking to Henrico's police chief about cracking down on underage drinking in the county, but the effort to stop this dangerous trend is going to take a team effort.

Officers are teaming up with the schools and even the Commonwealth's Attorney to take on this problem.

"If we do catch you, you are going to be charged!" says Henrico Police Chief Doug Middleton.

Now the chief, Henrico schools' superintendent Dr. Patrick Russo and Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor are teaming up to enhance the zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking.

"As we look across the county this is an effort to protect every one of our kids from something that could tragically happen," says Dr. Russo.

One of the more recent incidents, six students at Deep Run High School are now in trouble for being drunk at a dance last month.

Michelle Onofrio's 16 year old son is a student there.

"I'm always disappointed to hear things like that are going on," she said.

Deep Run isn't the only school dealing with underage drinking, it's happening all over the county.  Officers tell us in the past year and a half more than 400 people have been arrested for being too young to drink.

"It should be zero but unfortunately there are individuals who make very poor decisions," says Dr. Russo.

Now there is plan which includes training school staff to know the signs someone has been drinking and to take action.  We're also told there will be more talks with students and parents about the consequences.

The chief tells us the biggest influence will be the parents.

"We want them to discuss the consequences of consuming alcohol with their children we want them to also to be a good role model with their children," he said.

All things these county leaders home will keep young adults from being under the influence.

Prom season and other events to celebrate the end of the school year are approaching, the chief hopes this message will carry on off campus.

If you're convicted of underage drinking you could be paying a $500 dollar fine or lose your license.

Police say they are also going to go after people who give alcohol to people under 21.  That punishment does include jail time.

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