Within the first week of November, Charles City Police issued at least four citations to minors for underage possession of a vaping device and/or vaping products.
In their efforts to curb the illegal activity, Chief Hugh Anderson says CCPD is working with Charles City High School to reduce vaping among students.
Anderson says the tobacco industry makes the battle challenging.
Anderson adds that harmful vaping is not limited to nicotine-based products.
Anderson says he’s in regular contact with CCHS Principal Levi Miller in their efforts to keep students from vaping at the High School.
Vape sensors have also been installed in the restrooms at CCHS to crack down on vaping while staff work with students to make good choices and eliminate vapes. Anderson encourages parents to have similar conversations with their kids.
According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, fines and penalties for a person under the age of 21 in possession of, or attempting to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products, range from $70 plus eight hours of community service for the first offense, up to $325 plus 16 hours of community service for the third offense.
