Lakehurst Police Again Participating in 'Cops in Shops' Initiative

The Lakehurst Police Department announced that it has once again been chosen to participate in the annual "Cops in Shops" Summer Shore Initiative for 2013.

The department has received grant funding from the State Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to fund overtime details at local liquor establishments for the primary purpose of detecting and deterring underage persons from attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, according to Chief of Police Eric Higgins.

This year’s campaign is already underway, as it runs from May 23 through Sept. 15, the chief said. 

"Underage persons should think twice before attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, the person behind the counter may be an undercover police officer," Higgins said in a statement. 

The Lakehurst Police Department has been very successful with the program in the past, according to Higgins.

Residents are encouraged to report any attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages by underage persons to Lakehurst police by calling 732-657-7811 — callers may remain anonymous, the chief said.