FOXBORO - With 12 new liquor licenses created for businesses at Patriot Place and three for Chestnut Green, the police department has stepped up the training of officers in liquor law enforcement.

At the request of chief Edward O'Leary, selectmen recently designated six officers as liquor control agents.

"I wanted additional personel to have the ability to make assessments and inspections," O'Leary said.

Previously, the chief was the department's only liquor control agent.

The officers attended a daylong training session in June sponsored by the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and lead by the agency's chief investigator. O'Leary said a state statute allows police officers, acting on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, to conduct inspections at establishments that sell liquor. He said the agents can make unannounced inspections, and that it's illegal for anyone to interfere with an inspection.

"With the growth of licensees, and (the officers') ability to cover all shifts, we would have a more comprehensive inspection process," O'Leary wrote to selectmen. "This would allow for more collaboration in solving problems and/or issues prior to Board action."

Foxboro's new liquor control agents are deputy chief John Chandler, detective sergeant John Hannon, and sergeants Scott Austin, Michael Grace, Allan Haskell and John Thibedeau.

During the Patriot Place planning meetings, Foxboro police raised concerns about the demands that will be placed on the department by a concentration of new liquor sellers at the mall adjacent to Gillette Stadium.

As part of the project mitigation plan, the Kraft Organization agreed to help pay for beefing up police and fire staffing. The organization agreed to pay the first year cost for seven new police officers, three of whom have been hired to date, O'Leary said.

A number of businesses in the north plaza of Patriot Place are expected to open in August.

To date, selectmen have approved nine liquor licenses at Patriot Place and one at Chestnut Green.

In separate acts, the state Legislature authorized the town to create the 15 new liquor licenses.