DMV cracks down on underage drinking

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a pilot program to crack down on underage drinking and the use of fake IDs.

Developed by New York-based company Intellicheck Inc., the technology, which is available only to law enforcement, lets an investigator scan a license or ID using an app on the investigator’s smartphone and match it against driving records from all 50 states. Within seconds, investigators will know if an ID is authentic or not.

New York is the first state in the nation to pilot the program, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Throughout the year, DMV investigators are present at concerts and bars across the state to check identifications and to prevent those under the age of 21 from purchasing alcohol. Known as the Operation Prevent Campaign, the DMV works with the state’s liquor authority, police, and park police as well as with local law police.

Since the start of the summer enforcement season, 211 people have been arrested for possessing fake identifications or trying to consume alcohol while underage.

In the Capital Region, 70 arrests at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center:

— On June 9, DMV investigators and New York State Park Police arrested 27 people on charges of possessing fraudulent identifications at the Kendrick Lamar concert;

— On July 7, DMV investigators again joined with State Park Police at the Rascal Flatts concert. The detail resulted in six arrests for possessing a fake identification;

— On July 13, one person was arrested during the Dave Matthews Band concert for possessing a false identification;

— On July 15, nine people were arrested at the Jason Aldean concert for possessing a false ID; and

— On July 25, investigators charged 27 people with possessing a false identification at the Wiz Khalifa and Rae Sremmurd concert. Two additional arrests are expected.