Lakehurst Police Will Participate in 'Cops in Shops' This Summer

have been selected to participate in the "Cops in Shops" Summer Shore Initiative 2012, the department announced. 

Funding for overtime details at establishments selling liquor within the borough will be provided through a grant from the state's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The primary purpose of the program is "detecting and deterring" those under 21 years old who try to buy alcohol, said Chief of Police Eric Higgins in a statement. 

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

The program, which Higgins said has been successful in Lakehurst in past years, began in late-May and will run through Sept. 14.

The New Jersey initiative, a cooperative effort between the divisions of Highway Traffic Safety and Alcoholic Beverage Control, was started by the Attorney General in 1996, according to the state.

"The police department encourages citizens to report any attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages by underage persons to the police," Higgins said.

Callers, who may remain anonymous, can reach the department at 732-657-7812.