DMV Using New Technology to Crack Down on Underage Drinking

 

DMV is First in the Nation to Pilot New Program

Program Supported by New Technology Developed by New York-based Company

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a pilot program using state-of-the-art technology to crack down on underage drinking and the use of fake IDs. Developed by New York-based company Intellicheck Inc., the technology, which is only available to law enforcement, enables investigators to scan a license or ID using the Intellicheck “Law ID” app on the investigator’s smartphone and match it against driving records from all 50 states. Within seconds, investigators will know if an ID is authentic or not. New York is the first state in the nation to pilot the program.

“Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions and situations with potentially lifelong consequences,” Governor Cuomo said. “I’m proud to launch this new pilot program that capitalizes on exciting new technology developed right here in the Empire State and will aid in our efforts to crack down on this reckless and dangerous behavior.”

Throughout the year, DMV investigators are present at concerts and bars across New York State to check identifications and to prevent those under the age of 21 from purchasing alcohol. Known as the Operation Prevent Campaign, DMV works closely with the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Park Police and local law enforcement on this effort. Since the start of the summer enforcement season, 211 people have been arrested for possessing fake identifications or trying to consume alcohol while underage.

When conducting Operation Prevent events, DMV investigators frequently encounter underage individuals with fake, out-of-state licenses and IDs. Use of the “Law ID” app will enable DMV investigators to know immediately if an out-of-state license or ID is authentic.

The following arrests were made in June and July:

Capital Region – 70 arrests at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center

  • On June 9, DMV investigators and New York State Park Police arrested 27 people on charges of possessing fraudulent identifications at the Kendrick Lamar concert.
  • On July 7, DMV investigators again joined with State Park Police at the Rascal Flatts concert. The detail resulted in 6 arrests for possessing a fake identification.
  • On July 13, 1 person was arrested during the Dave Matthews Band concert for possessing a false identification.
  • On July 15, 9 people were arrested at the Jason Aldean concert for possessing a false ID.
  • On July 25, investigators charged 27 people with possessing a false identification at the Wiz Khalifa and Rae Sremmurd concert. Two additional arrests are expected.

 

Central New York – 21 arrests at St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

  • On June 7, DMV investigators worked with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department during the Kenny Chesney Concert and arrested 9 people.
  • On June 23, 6 people were arrested by DMV investigators and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department during the Zac Brown Band concert.
  • On June 30, DMV investigators and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department arrested 6 people during the Brad Paisley/Kane Brown Concert.

 

Finger Lakes – 9 arrests

  • On June 30, DMV investigations and the New York State Police, arrested 9 people in Rochester for trying to use fake identification. The investigations were at Filger’s East End and Murphy’s Law.

 

Long Island – 21 arrests

  • On July 30, DMV investigators conducted an Operation Prevent at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater during the Kesha concert. As a result, 21 people were charged with possessing false identifications. In total, 30 documents were confiscated, 29 of which were fictitious. Nine people abandoned their documents before they could be cited.

 

Western New York – 90 arrests at Darien Lake Concert Facility

  • On June 24, DMV investigators and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department conducted an Operation Prevent enforcement during the Zac Brown Band performance. The detail resulted in the arrests of 44 people.
  • On July 3, 27 people were arrested during the Logic concert. DMV investigators worked with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.
  • On July 22, DMV investigators and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department arrested 19 people at the Kesha and Macklemore concert.

Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said “With the help of innovative technology, we are better able to keep potentially dangerous drivers off the roads, making it safer for all who use them. We will be at concerts all summer long, and we want people to enjoy them responsibly. Do not drink and drive, do not try to buy alcohol when you are not old enough, and never let anyone else use your license to buy beer or other alcoholic beverages.”

Intellicheck CEO Bryan Lewis, said, “Law ID provides instant, accurate identification authentication and access to the DMV records that investigators need to address the challenges they face every day. This cutting-edge technology solution delivers the significant safety, cost and timesaving benefits that are making an important difference for the department and the citizens of New York.”

Author: Harlem Valley News