Takoma Park Police To Participate In Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

TAKOMA PARK, MD — The Takoma Park Police Department will hold the Drug Enforcement Administration Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, as well as the Watch Your Car Program and a child safety seat checkup services on Saturday, April 29.

The Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day campaign gives the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Residents can bring their unwanted prescriptions to the Takoma Park Police Department, 7500 Maple Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collection boxes will be set up in the first floor police lobby of the City building. Prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications will be accepted.

Although the Takoma Park Police Department continues to participate in this nationwide event, residents looking to dispose of excess and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can now visit the safe and secure permanent drop off location at the 7500 Maple Ave. The collection site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked.

Takoma Park Police cannot accept these items: liquids, inhalers, aerosol cans, regular household ointments or lotions, needles, sharps or thermometers.

The Police Department will also offer residents an opportunity to sign up for the "Watch Your Car Program" on April 29. This program is administered by the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council and is a way for police officers to ensure your vehicle is not being driven by an unauthorized driver. It's provided as a public service, free of charge, to owners of vehicles registered in the State of Maryland.

The owner(s) sign an application form stating their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., which gives permission for a police officer to stop the car between these hours to verify that the driver is actually the owner of the vehicle or an authorized driver designated by the owner.

Once registered, the vehicle owner will receive two window decals to be placed on the front and back windows of the vehicle. Residents will need to bring their Driver’s License, vehicle information (tag number, make, year, model, style and color) as well as the Vehicle Identification Number.

Lastly, for residents who aren't sure if they installed their car seat properly, the Police Department will conduct a free car seat check by a trained technician. Residents should bring their child safety seat, child safety seat manual, car owner's manual and their child if possible.

If you have questions, please contact Cathy Plevy at cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov.

Patch File Photo