BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive, Jeff Kraham, local high school principals and local law enforcement officials will join forces to kick-off "Operation Prom and Graduation 2004" on Wednesday, May 12th at 10:00 a.m. at Don's Automotive Mall, Inc. 216 Colesville Road, Binghamton, NY 13904.

"Operation Prom and Graduation" targets several problem areas associated with underage drinking. The program increases STOP-DWI patrols and DWI checkpoints in areas hosting high school prom and graduation activities. Greater emphasis is placed on curtailing the buying for or selling of alcohol to minors by adults through spot checks by authorities at convenience and grocery outlets. Police will also be patrolling area hotels and motels for underage drinking at private parties. In addition residents are encouraged to report incidents of adults hosting parties where minors are served alcohol.

"Proms and graduations are two of the most important events in a young persons life, these rites of passage are celebrations of years of hard work by teens and their families. Unfortunately these memorable occasions can be marred by poor decision making in regards to alcohol use," said County Executive Kraham. "Operation Prom and Graduation" seeks to focus the community's attention on the problem of underage drinking while reminding adults of the consequences that result when alcohol is served to minors," continued Mr. Kraham.

The Broome County STOP-DWI Program through grants from the Governors Traffic Safety Committee has been able to provide local police agencies with the additional funding needed to operate this program. The program will be conducted through June of 2004.