Casper, WY – The Casper Police Department announced it will take part in a statewide compliance effort aimed at businesses that sell alcohol, tobacco and kratom. The program, organized by the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP), requires two inspections per year at every establishment in Casper that offers those products.
Program details and funding
Chief Shane Chaney noted in a staff memo that Casper has been involved in the WASCOP contracts since 2018. The new contract runs through September 30, 2027 and is divided into two inspection windows: the first window ends Dec. 31, and the second runs from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30.
Funding for the program comes from a pass‑through grant capped at $50,700. The grant does not require the city to match funds or make any direct expenditures. The allocation is split among three compliance categories: up to $28,200 for alcohol inspections, $20,100 for tobacco inspections, and $2,400 for kratom inspections. The police department will be reimbursed at a fixed rate of $150 for each completed inspection.
What the inspections will cover
Inspectors will verify that venues selling alcohol, tobacco or kratom are following state sales regulations and will enforce any related offenses. After each inspection, records will be entered into WASCOP’s online project‑management system, providing a centralized view of compliance across the state.
Local impact
Chief Chaney emphasized that the program does not impose a financial burden on Casper taxpayers. By leveraging the grant, the city can ensure that local businesses operate within the law while maintaining public safety. The inspections are expected to help curb illegal sales, protect minors, and promote responsible business practices.
Community members and business owners have been invited to review the inspection schedule and to contact the police department with any questions about the process. The department plans to share summary results with the public once the first inspection window closes.
Looking ahead
The partnership with WASCOP reflects Casper’s ongoing commitment to public‑safety initiatives that align with state‑wide efforts. As the program continues through 2027, the police department will monitor compliance trends and adjust its approach as needed to keep the city’s nightlife and commercial districts safe and lawful.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
