SPD: Training and certifications one factor in reduced alcohol offenses

A City of Sheridan ordinance, once considered unpopular by some in the community, may be playing a large part in reducing alcohol offenses in the city. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Chief of the Sheridan Police Department Travis Koltisk and Captain Tom Ringley informed the public of a reduced number of alcohol related citations over holiday weekends and celebrated events, including public intoxication and driving under the influence. 

SPD leadership has a few theories as to the cause of the downward trend. One such theory is the implementation of Sheridan City Code, Chapter 4-4, paragraph (e). 

Specifically, a section which states, “All persons employed at any licensee business operating with a liquor license issued by the city of Sheridan who are engaged in the selling or serving of alcoholic beverages or the managing thereof (hereinafter referred to as an “alcohol server staff”), shall successfully complete an alcohol server training program as approved by Wyoming Statute section 12-2-402, within ninety days of the start of their employment…”

Due to the requirement by the City to meet this standard, the Sheridan PD offers training at no cost to the business owner or the employees. The contracted company used by the PD is TIPS. 

Since 1979, TIPS has been used by private businesses, the alcohol industry, insurance companies, associations, universities, state liquor control boards, and police officers.

The PD has three officers certified to conduct this training for members of the community, free of charge. 

No matter the reason, Sheridan PD leadership are pleased at the decline in alcohol related offenses and hope the trend continues and appreciates good alcohol policies and practices by local business owners.