Full Notification

Between June 2016 and June 2017, the Torrance Police Department has participated in several “Decoy Shoulder-Tap” and “Minor Decoy” operations within its city limits.  

The statistics for the “Decoy Shoulder-Tap” operations are as follows:

·         Four total operations.

·         Sixty-seven subjects contacted.

·         Fifteen random locations visited.

·         One person found to be in violation.

The statistics for the “Minor Decoy” operations are as follows:

·         Four total operations.

·         Thirty random businesses were checked.

·         Four businesses were found to be in violation.

During a “Decoy Shoulder-Tap” operation, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol.  The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase alcohol.  If the adult agrees, and purchases alcohol for the minor, officers will arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor.  The penalty is a minimum $1,000.00 fine and 24 hours community service.

During a “Minor Decoy” operation, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages at ABC licensed premises.  If an individual sells to the minor decoy, the seller is issued a criminal citation.  In addition, the ABC may file administrative disciplinary action against the licensee.

The goal of these operations is to continually raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking, and also make it clear to any adults that buy alcohol for minors that there are serious consequences.  These operations are also concerted efforts to build safer and stronger communities by holding individuals accountable for illegal activity.

Investigators from the Torrance Police Department will continue their community outreach to discuss the dangers of underage drinking, and will look to continue their partnership with ABC in the years to come.  

The Torrance Police Department is also thankful for the tips received from its residents regarding potential “hotspots” where violations may be occurring.

Each local operation was funded by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control through the Department’s Grant Assistance Program (GAP). 

Each operation was conducted under the command and cooperation of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and Torrance Police Captain Martin Vukotic of the Special Operations Bureau.  

Sergeant Ronald Harris

Torrance Police Department Public Information Officer

(310) 618-5688

[email protected]

“See Something, Say Something”

Emergency 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: 310-328-3456

 Provided By:
Torrance Police Department - Community Affairs Division
310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392
www.Police.TorranceCA.Gov
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www.Twitter.com/TorrancePD