SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the Secretary of State police force has taken action against 59 under-aged individuals for using fake identification while attempting to patron bars on Division Street.
Those caught were the result of the Cops in Shop program, which is aimed at targeting the youths while they are attempting to purchase alcohol.
"This program is a great deterrent because it shows kids, if you are going to try and drink when you are under-aged, you are going to get caught and you're going to pay the price," White said.
Individuals who are caught by the Secretary of State police will have their actual driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to court fines and penalties.
This year's program began back in May and by August, 59 people were facing license suspensions.
The Cops in Shop program has been operational since 1996. From 2001 to 2003, 992 people have been caught presenting false identification statewide.
The Secretary of State police force normally concentrates efforts in university communities and popular nightclub areas in Chicago.
The program is funded through grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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