Spring Break
Fake IDs remain problem for police department
43 citations in 2008 for use, possession of fake IDs
Joe Astrouski / City Editor
Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News
Despite a growing effort to prevent underage drinking in Charleston, police say the use of fake identification to purchase alcohol or get into bars still occurs.
"It's very common," said Deputy Police Chief Dave Chambers. "You have a lot of pass-backs. Then you have some people with actually fictitious IDs."
In 2008, Charleston police issued 43 tickets for unlawful use or possession of a fake ID and another 9 tickets for misrepresentation of age by a minor, Chambers said.
He said police typically do not learn about fake ID use directly through bar owners. "Typically, we get tips, then we go in and check these out," Chambers said. He did not specify from whom police receive those tips.
No bar owners were available for comment, though one bar employee said employees at her bar often turn away people trying to use fake IDs.
Chambers said his department often encounters minors who try using forged ID cards.
"There's people that have software programs that make very realistic IDs," he said. "Then you have some that aren't so realistic."
A quick Google search yields dozens of Web sites offering fake IDs or fake ID software. Either making or using a fake ID is illegal, Chambers said.
"Possession of a fake ID is going to get your license suspended and the license of the person who provided it," Chambers. People caught making fake IDs could face criminal charges, he said.
Joe Astrouski can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmastrouski@eiu.edu.
"It's very common," said Deputy Police Chief Dave Chambers. "You have a lot of pass-backs. Then you have some people with actually fictitious IDs."
In 2008, Charleston police issued 43 tickets for unlawful use or possession of a fake ID and another 9 tickets for misrepresentation of age by a minor, Chambers said.
He said police typically do not learn about fake ID use directly through bar owners. "Typically, we get tips, then we go in and check these out," Chambers said. He did not specify from whom police receive those tips.
No bar owners were available for comment, though one bar employee said employees at her bar often turn away people trying to use fake IDs.
Chambers said his department often encounters minors who try using forged ID cards.
"There's people that have software programs that make very realistic IDs," he said. "Then you have some that aren't so realistic."
A quick Google search yields dozens of Web sites offering fake IDs or fake ID software. Either making or using a fake ID is illegal, Chambers said.
"Possession of a fake ID is going to get your license suspended and the license of the person who provided it," Chambers. People caught making fake IDs could face criminal charges, he said.
Joe Astrouski can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmastrouski@eiu.edu.
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