Cape Cod Police Department To Target Underage Drinking This July 4

FALMOUTH, MA — Cape Cod police departments have dealt with bad behavior for years over the July 4 holiday.

The Dennis Police Department set the standard for a new approach last summer, and another police department said they'd up enforcement this year.

In Falmouth, police officials said they are taking "proactive steps to address underage drinking, disorderly behavior, vandalism, and other quality-of-life offenses that have plagued Falmouth’s beaches and neighborhoods in recent years" ahead of the holiday.

Beginning the week leading up to the 4th of July, the Falmouth Police Department will deploy additional patrols "designed to deter and respond quickly to illegal activity," officials said.

Officers from the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police will assist during this time to ensure "widespread coverage and quick response."

In 2023, the July 4 period saw "an alarming increase in incidents involving large groups of intoxicated youths."

In just three days, police said they responded to more than 160 service calls handling complaints for underage drinking, disorderly conduct, trespassing, vandalism and assaults.

In the wake, beaches were left covered with broken glass, residents reported property damages and more.

The Department hopes to change that with an enforcement strategy that includes these plans below:

• Strict enforcement of liquor laws, including summons and arrests for minors in possession and anyone furnishing alcohol to underage individuals.
• Increased patrols on beaches, public parks, residential neighborhoods, and other historically problematic areas.
• Immediate arrest or protective custody for disorderly or intoxicated individuals posing a danger to themselves or others.