Nothing against working at a convenience store, but people don't usually make a career of it. Store managers and owners have to realize that personnel turnover is natural and that each new employee has to be taught how to check for proper identification. Store clerks have to know that if they don't ask for an ID they will be fired, or worse. Two clerks have been arrested in the latest sting and other arrests are expected, said Capt. Roger Short of the sheriff's department.
Parents have to keep trying to instill proper morals in their children.
Randall County sheriff's deputies also have to remain vigilant in apprehending the perpetrators of underage drinking. Short said officers hadn't been back to do more undercover work until recently, when the department received more grant money. The county had been given money from the criminal justice division of the governor's office to be used for personnel overtime wages, equipment and to conduct the sting operations using minors. If curbing underage drinking is so vital, as we and the sheriff's department believe it is, then the county has to make sure the money keeps coming in, whether through the grant process or some other means. If we can raise awareness for the parents and the store owners and the clerks, hopefully that will make an impact.