Police officers across Washtenaw County will be spending the weekend looking for underage drinkers.

The Sheriff’s Department, Ann Arbor Police and Saline Police will focus their efforts on Ann Arbor. The special program will be paid for by the federal government through the state Office of Highway Safety Planning.

Authorities say underage drinking can lead to a host of problems, ranging from academic issues to crime, to alcohol poisoning, impaired driving and suicide.

The officers will be trying to reduce underage drinking by: limiting access to alcohol, reducing the opportunities for youth to drink, and curbing impaired driving.

Investigators say consistent and vigorous enforcement reinforces the message that violating the law is unacceptable.

Underage drinkers are defined as those aged 12 to 20 years old.

© MMX WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved.