WHAT: Los Angeles Police Department’s Safe and Sober Graduation Program

WHEN: Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Susan Miller Dorsey High School, 3537 Farmdale Avenue, Los Angeles (Corner of Farmdale Avenue and Rodeo, in front of the Auditorium)

WHO: Chief William J. Bratton; Deputy Chief Mike Brown, Southern Division Commander, California Highway Patrol; Mariann Etorre, Treasurer, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Los Angeles County Chapter; Brenda Shafer, Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office; Dorsey High School Students

Los Angeles – On Tuesday May 11, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., Chief William J. Bratton, along with other law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, will hold a news conference to congratulate the graduating class of 2004, and encourage students to celebrate their proms and graduations without the use of alcohol and drugs. Chief Bratton will advise parents to talk with their sons and daughters about alcohol and drug abuse and encourage students to prevent their friends who are under the influence from driving.

Annually, during the months of May and June, traffic officers from the South, Central, West, and Valley Traffic Divisions coordinate the Safe and Sober Graduation Program with the high schools in their area. To educate the participating students of the Safe and Sober Program, officers tell the tragic stories and the deadly consequences that can occur when driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition, a demolished vehicle driven by a drunk driver will be on display at the news conference. Students from Dorsey High School will also be available for sound bytes.

This news advisory was prepared by Officer Sara Faden, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.