State grant helps SLTPD increase enforcement

A $95,519 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control allowed the South Lake Tahoe Police Department in the last year to target alcohol related problems and problems at locations that serve alcohol.

The department was able to make additional officers available for events like SnowGlobe, Live at Lakeview and holiday weekends including the 4th of July, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve, and Memorial Day.

Officers made 26 arrests and issued 96 citations while conducting operations with the grant money.

Arrests included: driving under the influence, drunk in public, resisting arrest, probation violation, stolen vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft.

Citations included: fireworks, smoking, open container, minor in possession, fake ID, illegal camping, furnishing alcohol to minor, trespassing, possession of a controlled substance, and being on a scooter without a helmet.

Money was also use to educate businesses, servers, and schoolchildren.

“SLTPD was able to conduct a minor decoy and shoulder tap operations that would not have been possible without the grant,” Officer Johnny Spaeth told Lake Tahoe News. “SLTPD conducted two ‘bait bike’ operations to reduce the theft of bicycles from locations that have alcohol licenses.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report