Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the New Shoreham Police Department is highlighting its plans to reduce underage drinking, disorderly behavior and public safety incidents associated with the annual influx of visitors to Block Island.
The department has launched a social media effort aimed at reaching teenagers and parents before they arrive, including targeted paid advertisements in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and other communities that frequently send visitors to the island during the holiday weekend.
“We have been planning for this weekend for months and are taking a proactive approach to address the issues that have impacted our community in past years,” said Chief Paul Deane. “The New Shoreham Police Department will be working closely with the Rhode Island State Police and our other public safety partners to maintain a strong enforcement presence throughout the holiday weekend. Anyone under the age of 21 found in possession of alcohol will be charged, and parents of juveniles under the age of 18 who are arrested or taken into protective custody will be required to come to Block Island to pick up their child.”
The effort comes in response to challenges experienced during previous Fourth of July weekends, including underage drinking, excessive littering, disorderly conduct and a significant strain on the island’s limited public safety and emergency medical resources.
The department also reminded visitors that alcohol is prohibited on all Block Island beaches, in open or closed containers and for people of all ages. Officials said there will be enhanced enforcement on the beaches, that violations will be strictly enforced and that alcohol will be confiscated.
Deane noted that additional Rhode Island State Police personnel will be assigned to the island during the holiday period to supplement local resources and assist with enforcement.
“Our goal is simple,” Deane said. “We want everyone to enjoy Block Island safely and responsibly while protecting the quality of life that makes this community such a special place to live and visit.”
