Dispose unwanted prescription drugs at JPD Oct. 23 for National Drug Take Back Day

The Juneau Police Department will be hosting a drop off location on October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back event. During that time, the public can drop off unneeded and potentially dangerous prescription medications at the Juneau Police Department (6255 Alaway Avenue) for disposal.

Types of medications that can be collected are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Vaping devices and cartridges may be accepted at drop-off locations, provided lithium batteries are removed.

At its last Take Back Day in April, the Juneau Police Department collected approximately 100 pounds of unwanted and unused prescription medications; with an additional 300 pounds of medications coming from our daily prescription drug drop off box, located in the JPD lobby. Across the nation, the DEA collected close to 420 tons of unwanted prescription medications.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.

October 15th, 2021|

School traffic safety reminder

School is in session and the Juneau Police Department would like to remind everyone to pay close attention to the extra roadway traffic. School buses, pedestrians, and kids driving to school can increase commute times for everyone. Make sure to give yourself some extra time to get to your destination; that way you aren’t feeling rushed.

Please pay close attention to any school bus that has their red lights flashing. This means they are stopping to pick up, or drop off a child. Alaska law requires that the driver of a vehicle that approaches from any direction of a school bus stopped on a shared highway or vehicular way, shall stop not less than 30 feet from the school bus before reaching it, when the school bus has flashing red lights. The driver may not proceed until the school bus proceeds and the flashing lights are no longer illuminated. Depending on the circumstances, passing a school bus when it’s red lights are flashing can be either a class B misdemeanor or an infraction.

Kids walking or biking to school are highly vulnerable roadway users. Please slow down and give extra care to those trying to get to school safely.

The speed limit in a school zone when lights are flashing is 15 mph. School zone lights will be on for about one half hour before and after school:

  • Elementary schools start at 8 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.
  • Middle schools start at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
  • High schools start at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.
August 18th, 2021|

Citizens academy provides inside look at JPD; apply by Sept. 17

The Citizen’s Police Academy is an 8-week educational program designed to provided community members an inside view of police work. Topics range from the recruitment process to special unit functions. Some classes will include live demonstrations. The goal of the academy is to foster relationships between the Juneau Police Department and the community, resulting in a clearer understanding of what the community can expect from the police department.
 
The academy consists of a series of classes and demonstrations held every Thursday evening for three hours. Classes will be taught by members of the Juneau Police Department. A Certificate of Achievement will be given to participants at the end of the 8-week course.
 
How to Apply: Fill out the Citizen’s Police Academy application. Email or return it to the police department by September 17. Classes begin on Thursday, October 14. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Space is limited to 16 students.
For more information, email Lieutenant Scott Erickson at [email protected].
August 12th, 2021|

First responders to visit block parties & cookouts for National Night Out Aug. 3

On Tuesday, August 3rd between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., the Juneau Police Department will be participating in the annual National Night Out (NNO), a unique community-oriented celebration which aims at crime and drug awareness and prevention. National Night Out also gives citizens the opportunity to interact with their neighbors, as well as local first responders. While the traditional “lights on” and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years. It is hoped that the citizens of Juneau will coordinate block parties, cookouts, and neighborhood walks.

JPD is coordinating Police, Capital City Fire Rescue personnel, and other first responders to visit various block parties and cookouts throughout the community. Anyone interested in hosting such an event in their neighborhood is encouraged to register as a Block Captain. You can fill out a form at the Juneau Police Department (6255 Alaway Avenue in Lemon Creek) or go to the JPD website to register online.

NNO was formed by the National Association of Town Watch Executive Director Matt A. Peskin. He said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs, and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy, and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. NNO is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.”

Juneau’s first responders are looking forward to visiting with you at your event! For additional information, contact JPD Community Services Officer Jennifer Adams at 586-0600.

July 23rd, 2021|
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