Target Responsibility For Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE)

Background

The TRACE Protocol was created in the spring of 2004 when a diverse group of law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, stakeholder groups, and individuals, sought to address the growing problem of youth access to alcohol.

Casey Goodwin, a college student from Exeter, was killed in a head-on crash by an 18-year-old drunk driver. Her mother, Lynne, was troubled by one persistent thought. Although the police had done an excellent job investigating the crash and the drunk driver had received a lengthy prison sentence, she knew another person was involved in the crime that killed her daughter: the individual who either sold or provided alcohol to the drunk driver. Lynne simply asked why there wasn’t a better method for investigating this aspect of drunk driving crashes involving minors.

Lynne Goodwin’s questions eventually brought together ABC, the Attorney General’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, MADD, FNL, and many other agencies and stakeholder groups.

ABC played a crucial role in TRACE. In addition to access to licensed premises and a high level of expertise, ABC had a dedicated corps of investigators highly motivated to take on the assignment.

Initially, TRACE was funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), which covered overtime, equipment, and the creation of support mechanisms, training videos, and printed materials.

In May 2006, the TRACE Unit at ABC was established as a standalone bureau within the Department.

Today, TRACE continues to be supported by OTS grant funding, which has stabilized the unit and ensured its continued operation.

TRACE Facts

TRACE is a protocol in which first responders to alcohol-related emergencies immediately notify the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) when an incident involves a person under 21 and an alcoholic beverage, resulting in great bodily injury or death. It also applies when anyone, regardless of age, is charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol.

ABC Agents will conduct a simultaneous investigation to determine where the alcoholic beverages were acquired, purchased, or served.

Agents will be alert to evidence that may indicate where the alcoholic beverage was obtained. Such evidence may include false identification, receipts, bags, labels, and witness statements.

Timely notification to the TRACE Unit greatly improves the chances of a successful investigation.

If the TRACE investigation determines that an ABC-licensed location sold or furnished alcohol to a minor, or served or sold alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated, the Department will file an administrative action to suspend or revoke the business’s license.

The TRACE Protocol was developed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Office of Traffic Safety, the California Attorney General’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the California Police Chiefs Association, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association.