RUMFORD – Patrols will be stepped up and communication between law enforcement agencies will increase to help provide safer travel during the upcoming holiday season.

Nearly a dozen police chiefs, a county sheriff, a state trooper and others turned out Monday afternoon at the Municipal Auditorium in a symbol of unity and commitment.

“We’re gathered here to express that,” said Rumford police Chief Stacy Carter. “There are a lot of holiday parties, juvenile and family parties. We take very seriously furnishing alcohol to minors.”

He said during the past year, an increase in penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors has occurred.

Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant agreed, as did several other law enforcement officers.

“We’ve seen a 45 to 50 increase,” Gallant said.

The law enforcement leaders also said they have seen an increase in the combined use of alcohol and drugs, something they said is the result of the elimination of the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco several years ago.

“Visibility is the key,” said Dixfield police Chief Richard Pickett. “We want people at Christmas parties to get designated drivers.”

Gallant said law enforcement agencies have worked together in the past, setting up road blocks and in other ways. The philosophy of working together is likely to increase among agencies in the tri-county area, particularly because all three have a common district attorney.

Sgt. Michael Parshall of the Lewiston Police Department said the number of operating under the influence and operating after suspension details have increased.

Carter said with winter weather here, law enforcement wants people to slow down and be safe.

In a news release, statistics showed that nearly 18,000 people nationwide died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2006, 41 percent of the total number of traffic fatalities.

Penalties for transporting alcohol by minors include a 30-day license suspension and a fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to a one-year license suspension and a fine of up to $400.

For furnishing alcohol to minors, violators are subject to a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $2,000.