News Release

March 6, 2007
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

Number of Special Agent Job Seekers Sets a Record

At a time when law enforcement sometimes struggles to fill job vacancies, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) scored a major victory with a record-breaking 1,562 applications for 10 available special agent positions with the agency. The 10 agents will bring the total number of special agents working statewide out of eight ABC regional offices to 104.

"This major increase in the number of applicants reflects the view that alcohol enforcement is a very important part of policing and we believe the message is getting out that our special agents do an exceptional job of enforcing all laws of the Commonwealth," said Director of ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement Francis J. Monahan.

ABC special agents carry a diverse range of duties - from investigating license applicants and enforcing criminal and ABC laws in more than 12,000 licensed establishments to investigating criminal activities ranging from drugs and vice to money laundering and tax evasion. ABC agents also possess additional authority enforcing regulations and pursing ABC violations through an administrative law process that can result in action against an establishment's license.

The ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement is committed to providing effective public safety by enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth. Prevention of youth access to alcohol is a primary component of the agency's mission and its agents promote a zero tolerance for underage consumption. During fiscal year 2006, ABC agents conducted: 12,245 criminal investigations; 1,890 licensee training presentations; 5,891 alcohol compliance checks of licensees and found that 87 percent of licensees were compliant; and made 2,468 arrests. For more information on ABC special agents, please visit the ABC Web site at http://www.abc.virginia.gov/enforce/enforce.htm.