NEWS RELEASE
OTTUMWA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTNER WITH IOWA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE
NICOTINE AND VAPOR PRODUCT EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Ottumwa, Iowa (January 29, 2025) – The Ottumwa Police Department has taken a pledge to
keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Ottumwa’s underage
persons.
Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR)
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 Ottumwa 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. This allows a retail
establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an
illegal sale.
“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal
tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Ottumwa Police Chief Chad Farrington
said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible
establishment.”
Ottumwa Police Officers will also be conducting 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.
Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include
a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense and a $645 fine for third and
subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.
“By partnering with the Iowa Department of Revenue, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a
compliant retail environment in our community,” Chief Farrington said. “Moreover, we pledge to
help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage
persons in Iowa.”
To take the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records go to https://abd.iowa.gov/.
