Underage drinking is a widespread problem, and the instances of minors possessing fake IDs are on the rise. There is no doubt that the primary use of fraudulent identification is to procure alcoholic beverages.

Because of the easy accessibility of alcohol, minors are over-represented in alcohol-related crashes. Although 16- to 24-year-olds comprise only 16 percent of Illinois' licensed drivers, they are involved in 36 percent of all fatal alcohol-related crashes. In addition, of the 1,589 persons killed in traffic crashes in 1990, 237 were ages 16 to 24. A full 66 percent, or 159, had a positive blood alcohol content level.

The use of fraudulent identification not only leads to alcohol-related incidents, such as illegal possession and consumption by minors, but also non-alcohol-related incidents, such as bank fraud (cashing fraudulent checks or obtaining false credit).

The Secretary of State's Department of Police is addressing the problem of underage drinking and driving by reducing the use of fraudulent driver's licenses and IDs. Through Operation Straight ID, the department is targeting the 16- to 24-year-old age group with a three-pronged approach.

1.   Secretary of State Police are conducting at least 600 training sessions statewide on fraudulent driver's licenses and identification cards for law enforcement agencies, bar/club/liquor store owners and employees, and college/university staff. Topics include how to spot fraudulent identification, confiscation of documents and notification to proper authorities for follow-up investigations and prosecution.

2.   A toll-free telephone number (800-608-0561) is being manned 24 hours a day in the Secretary of State's Police Inquiry Unit for reporting and follow-up action by Secretary of State Police investigators and the Driver Services Department's Fraudulent Review Unit.

3.   A public service announcement is being mailed to 60 television stations to help prevent and report the illegal production, distribution and possession of fraudulent identification. To report suspected violations of the Illinois Driver's License Act or the Identification Card Act, citizens are advised to call their local police agency or the Secretary of State Police's toll-free line. Persons convicted of driver's license/ID fraud face stiff penalties, including loss of driving privileges for a minimum of 12 months, fines of up to $10,000 (a minimum of $500 or 50 hours of community service), and imprisonment of up to five years.Secretary of State Police have observed that many fraudulent document incidents originate and operate on Illinois college and junior college campuses and in campus towns. In some schools in the northwest suburbs, as many as 30 percent of the students have fictitious licenses.

During the past two years. Secretary of State Police have broken up five rings responsible for manufacturing thousands of fictitious and counterfeit driver's licenses. The rings operate by typing the name and an age of 21 or older on a white background. A photo with the name and fictitious information then is transposed on the white background and sealed into a "laminate." Minors are paying $100 to $150 per license. One of the rings broken up had made more than $250,000 manufacturing and selling fictitious licenses.

The rings are making their fictitious licenses in minutes for underage persons who buy them for one reason — to purchase alcohol or enter lounges and bars where alcohol is sold.

Through Operation Straight ID, Secretary of State Police are working with local law enforcement agencies, bar/club/liquor store owners and employees, and college/university staff to help identify fraudulent licenses and IDs. Working together, we can crack down on the use of fake documents being presented as identification at local establishments. Ultimately, we will save lives.

For additional information or to request a training session, write to the Secretary of State's office. Department of Police, 324 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62756, or call 217/785-1691. •

November 1993 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 7