RUMFORD — The Police Department has received grant money from River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to better enforce underage drinking laws, Chief Stacy Carter said Wednesday in a news release.

“We will take an aggressive stance, along with other area agencies, to reduce the amount of underage drinking present in the River Valley area,” Carter said.

Rumford police will work with all area law enforcement agencies in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties as part of the District III Underage Drinking Enforcement Task Force.

He said that was formed through cooperation with the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, and made possible with grant funding from the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

“It is our goal to prevent underage drinking and ensure our youth make good choices during this graduation season and summer,” Carter said. “It is not our wish to summon or arrest those violating the underage drinking laws as we would much rather see voluntary compliance.

“However, those partaking in these activities that are illegal can expect to face the legal consequences,” he said. “There are plenty of other alternatives to encourage healthy, fun activities.”

Anyone with knowledge of underage drinking can leave an anonymous tip by texting ‘oxtip’ to 274637 (crimes), Carter said.