Fargo Cass Public Health to distribute 34 forensic ID scanners to combat underage drinking

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo Cass Public Health is set to tackle underage drinking occurring in the region by loaning ID Scanners to several businesses.

North Dakota state officials have loaned 34 forensic ID Scanners to FCPH. Those scanners are near ready to be sent to bars and other liquor establishments in Fargo and Cass county at their request. Those establishments would then be able to keep the devices until more than 34 business requests, then the scanners will be rotated between them.

"Anywhere from 32% to 69% of college students report having fake ID's, and 15% of pre-college students have fake ID's," said FCPH Prevention Coordinator Robyn Litke Sall. "They are very prominent, they are cheep, they are easy to get, and they are almost undetectable."

Litke Sall says her agency would eventually be able to acquire more ID scanners. The devices are set to be distributed within the next few months, with the goal is to decrease underage drinking in Fargo and in Cass County. 

Litke Sall provided the following links for those interested in learning more about underage drinking and prevention efforts.

• ND Youth Risk Behavior Survey
• National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021-2022)
• ND Student Wellness & Perception Survey
• American College Health Association National College health Assessment
• ND Community Readiness Survey
• Costs of Underage Drinking in the U.S. (Funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention)
• Parents Lead