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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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Pendleton, IN Issues Tickets to Minors Caught Smoking [02/22-2]
Excerpts from: Area teens face tickets for smoking
Associated Press [02/21/05]
The town's police officers have started writing tickets to those younger than 18 caught smoking cigarettes as part of an effort to reduce tobacco use by teenagers.
Those convicted of underage smoking in the town must then attend a tobacco education class.
"This is a research-based, eight-hour curriculum designed for youth to educate them about the risks involved in using tobacco," said Karesa Knight, community director for the Madison County Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Coalition.
Almost 90 percent of all smokers began smoking before they were 18, Knight said.
Wendy Cook, the facilitator for the tobacco education classes, said that the underage smokers will have to attend four two-hour sessions.
Three underage smokers have recently been cited in the town about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis, Cook said. The first tobacco education class in Pendleton is expected in April, after the underage smokers attend their court dates in March.
"At this point, officers just started looking out for kids breaking the rules," Cook said. "I need five or six people for a class, and with winter, there are not as many kids hanging out outside."
Police Chief Bill Hill said his seven full-time and 10 reserve officers were keeping an eye out for underage smokers.
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