Bemidji police receive enforcement grant for underage drinking crackdown

BEMIDJI - A $4,000 grant has been awarded to the Bemidji Police Department for a crackdown on underage drinking.

Police Chief Mike Mastin said the grant, from the Invitation Health Institute for the Enhanced College Enforcement grant program, provides funding "for enforcement of laws and ordinances prohibiting the illegal consumption, possession and purchase of alcoholic beverages by youth on or near the campus of Bemidji State University."

The grant period runs from Aug. 15 to next May 31.

Mastin said the grant also will be used to enforce adult provider laws, third party transactions and disorderly house ordinance violations.

Police plan to conduct enforcement near BSU during move-in days, Homecoming and other special events.