Police have formed a task force to enact a zero tolerance policy for crime in downtown Fairbanks.

The Daily News-Miner reports it's a response to reports that a larger, younger population of chronic inebriates is becoming increasingly violent.

The four officers in the task force will be patrolling regularly until Oct. 1 and will be called as needed to support other officers.

After two months on the job, Police Chief Laren Zager says he was surprised by the stories he heard from downtown business owners
about groups of drunks harassing customers and tourists.

Zager also says there is evidence the younger population of chronic inebriates is assaulting and stealing from the older generation.