TABC Partners with Law Enforcement Agencies to Reduce Response Times for Alcohol-Related Emergencies
AUSTIN – A new program by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Texas Police Chiefs' Association, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Department of Public Safety aims to reduce the time it takes to complete investigations of alcohol-related emergencies.
The TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol-Connected Emergencies) program allows local and state law enforcement agencies to immediately notify TABC in the event of a serious injury or death connected to a TABC-licensed business, such as a drunk driving fatality or an assault taking place at an alcohol retailer. Police can use a special TRACE hotline to contact TABC immediately after an incident takes place. The hotline, which is monitored around the clock by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through a cooperative agreement with TABC, forwards the relevant information to the nearest TABC investigator, who can then begin an immediate investigation to determine if any wrongdoing exists on the part of the TABC-licensed business.
The ultimate goal is to make TABC's investigative resources available to local law enforcement at a moment's notice, according to TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles.
"Our TABC agents are experts when it comes to investigating alcohol-connected emergencies such as a fatality or an assault at a licensed business," Nettles said. "The TRACE program will give local officers access to our expertise faster than ever before, allowing them to resolve cases more quickly while upholding public safety."
The TRACE program went live in mid-November. TABC is currently working with law enforcement agencies across the state to provide training materials and education during the transition.
Contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462