IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. -- Imperial Beach has one of the worst alcohol problems in the nation, and the city has hired someone to help with this issue.

Sheriff's Deputy Lori Bird knows every place to get a drink in Imperial Beach. She's not the life of the party, but it's her job to make sure the party doesn't get out of hand.

"When you have beaches, you tend to have a lot of alcohol issues. So yes, we do have problems here," said Bird.

In 2008, Imperial Beach had the sixth-most alcohol injury related accidents in the country. That year, there were 819 alcohol-related arrests. In 2009, there were 880 arrests.

Last year, Bird was hired to be San Diego County's first and only alcohol enforcement officer. Her sole responsibility is to enforce the city's alcohol laws. She regularly meets with store owners and organizes sting operations.

"I also provide them training for their employees so their employees are sure to know exactly what laws apply to them," said Bird.

The city hopes the program will also cut down on crimes stemming from alcohol.

Bird said, "You get trash … empty bottles … and then you also have the drunk driving."

"Assaults … petty thefts …," added Sheriff's Capt. Lisa Miller

The program in Imperial Beach is already getting attention from nearby areas like Chula Vista and National City. If successful, the program could go countywide.

"I would hope to see the program widespread in San Diego County. I think we definitely have a need for it," said Miller.

Ventura is the only other city in California with an alcohol enforcement officer. They started their program in 2005 and saw results the very next year as DUI-related crashes dropped from 96 to 72 and arrests decreased from 624 to 205.

Bird thinks Imperial Beach will see the same results and said, "Yeah, I think we're making an impact."

Bird's position does not cost taxpayers any money because it is funded through an Alcohol Beverage Control grant.