Formed in February 2007, the Northern Kennebec Underage Drinking Task Force (NKUDTF) works to address issues of illegal alcohol use in the area.

The task force is the first of its kind in the state and consists of representatives from mid-Maine police departments in Waterville, Winslow, Oakland, Fairfield and Clinton, as well as members from the Kennebec Sheriffs Department. Since its establishment, several others like it have started up in nearby areas. Health groups and youth activists who share the task force’s concerns are also involved in the effort.

Detective Tracy Frost of Oakland Police Department and Nancy Findlan co-chair the NKUDTF. Prior to working with the NKUDTF, Findlan, who has been in social service for over 35 years, was the executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Maine. She has also had extensive experience working on cases of mental illness and disability. “I can honestly say my life’s work has been dedicated to the social services,” she said.

The NKUDTF affects the College in many ways. Besides working with Colby security, the NKUDTF is an integral part of Maine policing. They keep the community, including the campus, safe. The officers on duty called NKUDTF when they first suspected illegal drinking on the night of the party bust at Winter St. on Sept. 17.

The Echo was able to speak with Findlan to find out more about how the NKUDTF operates.

AM: What is the history behind the NKUDTF?

NF: The task force members have worked together on other initiatives in the past. They work well together, so this partnership was an easy step forward.

AM: How is it funded?

NF: There have been a variety of funding sources, primarily through our agencies’ Drug Free Communities grant, our Healthy Maine Partnership grant through PATCH [Planned Approach to Community Health] and since Oct. 2010, the task force members have received funding throughout Maine’s EUDL [Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws] grant from Maine’s Office of Substance Abuse.

AM: Can you tell us a bit about how the NKUDTF functions?

NF: The activities of the task force are two-prong. They enforce underage drinking laws, responding to tips on parties etc., but they are also present for school functions such as proms and games, and lastly they go to places they know young people hang out. They also do compliance checks at area bars and restaurants to determine if the owners are carding properly. This has been particularly successful, as now several bars invite officers to assist them when they can.

AM: The NKUDTF works to prevent both high school and college minors from drinking. How have you noticed success in both endeavors?

NF: The majority of young people summonsed by the task force are not high schoolers, but those over 18—both college students and non-student youth adults.

We have no way of measuring the success with college students; however we have seen reduced summons issued within the high school age group, in addition to surveys conducted by middle and high school students every two years (called the MIYHS, Main Integrated Youth Health Survey). The surveys indicate that more students feel they will be caught by both the police and parents if they drink.

AM: How can youth groups participate?

NF: We have a youth advisory group for our coalition and we also work with several youth groups in local middle and high schools. Both our Advisory Group and the local school groups help us with projects pertaining to reducing youth substance abuse. They don’t work specifically with the task force, but their work complements the task force’s efforts. For example; several of our groups initiated a campaign in partnership with local pizza shops. Shops allowing the youth to put informational flyers on boxes regarding many topics such as what parents can do to reduce underage drinking: parent hosting information, tips regarding prescription drugs and marijuana as well. This was very well received, and we are replicating this soon. Also, our advisory group developed public service announcements that were aired on local radio last spring prior to proms and graduation.

Students who are interested in finding out more about the Northern Kennebec Underage Drinking Task Force can visit their website, http://www.gwc4cy.org/gwc4cy.org/Task_Force.html.