The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and La Porte County DUI Task Force are announcing that it will be increasing enforcement and patrols around prom and post-prom sites this spring. The goal is to deter alcohol use and eliminate alcohol related crashes among La Porte County High School Prom attendees. Proms in La Porte County will begin April 13th and conclude May 18th. Between these dates, Westville, South Central, La Crosse, New Prairie, La Porte, Michigan City, La Lumiere and Marquette High Schools will all conduct prom events. The Sheriff’s Office and DUI Task Force will saturate the areas around each prom and post-prom site in an effort to deter potential alcohol and drug use. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a zero tolerance towards the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors. Those and any others who provide alcohol to minors will be targeted and jailed as well. The Sheriff’s Office and La Porte County DUI Task Force have several suggestions for parents that may help their child remain safe at their prom: Parents should take an inventory of alcohol in their home and secure it if necessary. Parents should not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers. Parents should make a pact with their children to provide a safe ride. Parents should ensure that their children take their cellular telephone with them and require them to check in throughout the evening. Parents should discuss their children’s plans in advance of the prom, so the exact plans are known ahead of time. Prom-goers should have an agenda and their parents should require them to adhere to it. Parents should know their child’s date before the prom and with whom they will be attending, if double-dating. Parents should exchange telephone numbers with the parents of their child’s date. Parents should consider hosting an alcohol-free post prom party in which their child’s friends are welcome to spend the night. Parents need to understand that alcohol is a drug, is not acceptable and illegal for those under the age of 21. Parents should stay up for their children’s return home and advise them they will be waiting.