This time, students can’t complain that police who troll for parties and answer noise complaints are merely spoilers shirking their “real” responsibilities as protectors against violent crime. The Alcohol Law Enforcement is solely devoted to enforcing the state laws governing alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and gambling—basically, their job is to limit underage vices. The 104 sworn agents with the division are trained to handle firearms and to use deadly force. They are not police officers, but ALE agents can arrest people or take other investigatory or enforcement actions for any criminal offense.
In the past four years, the number of ALE arrests for offenses related to alcohol has increased by more than 50 percent to 6,229 in 2004. Annual arrests for fake identifications have jumped from only 271 in 2000 to 637 last year.
The message that should be clear in these numbers is that the ALE is serious about decreasing underage drinking—and they are getting better at their job. Like it or not, North Carolina law sets the drinking age at 21, and it’s just as illegal to give alcohol to a minor as it is to consume it. The ALE’s job is more than just enforcement of these laws, though. According to the state website, they also conduct educational programs about the consequences of underage drinking. These programs are emphasized during graduations and spring breaks. Apparently the start of school is also a moment they’ve picked as a focal point to reduce .
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