The Pella Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Pella’s youth. Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since
the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. By participating in the program, the Pella Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. Officers will also conduct compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot, according to the Pella Police Department.