Hermosa Police Release July 4th Video Aimed at Teenagers

The Hermosa Beach Police department released a YouTube video this week with the goal of dissuading local teenagers from partaking in illegal parties this year on the Fourth of July.

The video, which was recently filmed and produced by local students, outlines the penalties and procedures associated with underage drinking and other illegal activity on July 4.

"This year, there will be an increased number of undercover officers," the narrator of the video states. "We don't want a repeat of previous Fourth of Julys where the number of juveniles drinking grew out of control and fights broke out resulting in serious injuries."

The narrartor cautions teens that "This Fourth of July, don't lose your independence."

The video is part of a wider campaign by the city and police department to keep a handle on this year's celebrations, which are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the small beach community.

Last year's Fourth of July celebrations led to a large increase in the amount of arrests in the city and eventually caused the Hermosa Beach jail to fill to capacity, police said.