The Washington Police Department will again be participating in the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Product Education and Enforcement known as I-PLEDGE in 2026. 

The Washington City Council approved the 28E Agreement request from the Police Department Tuesday. 

Since the inception of this program in 2000, statewide tobacco compliance rates have grown to 95%. Clerks who complete the online training course and pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified which allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the clerk makes an illegal sale. 

According to Washington Police Chief Jim Lester, Washington deputies will conduct compliance checks on local establishments in conjunction with the program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy the products. Clerks who make the sale will be cited on the spot.

This will be the fourth year that the City of Washington Police Department will be utilizing the program. During the last three years all retailers that were checked in Washington were in compliance. The agreement requires a compliance check at each of the licensed retailers between now and February 15.