To the untrained eye, it actually looks like a mail box. However, it’s much more than that. And what’s located in the lobby of the Bridgeport Municipal Complex outside the police department could result in saving lives.

 

Recently, Police Chief John Walker announced that the city would have a place for unused prescription drugs to be taken and disposed of properly. After a few tries, the final product is in place and Walker thinks it’s doing well for the public.

 

“We call it a drug take back box and it’s actually be received extremely well by the public,” said Walker. “It’s in the hallway right by our reception area so there’s easy access to it. For the public, as long as city hall is open then they have access to disposing of the drugs.”

 

The concept initially came up when it was likely that federal prescription drug take back days were going to be eliminated. Although it was eventually reinstated late last month and held at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex, Walker said this is a great alternative and one getting used.

 

“As happy as we were to see the DEA continue that program, that is something that takes place once a year or maybe every six months,” said Walker. “There’s convenience with this program and we know that because of the usage. I don’t have the figures on how much has been dropped off, but I can tell you that it’s substantial.”

 

An initial box that was used to collect the prescription drugs proved problematic because Walker said it was difficult to find anyone willing to dispose of them once collected. Because of that, the Bridgeport Police Department teamed up with Sharps Compliance, Inc., which placed the new drop-off box at the municipal complex.

 

“They take the material and destroy it in an incinerator,” said Walker. “They also give us a report on how much was destroyed and the types of medicine that was destroyed.”

 

Walker said anyone is welcome to drop off the prescription drugs. In fact, he said individuals can come in, drop off the material and never have to say a word to anyone.

 

“There are no questions, which we think is good because there is a mindset when you’re dealing with medication like this that has become a problem in our area and beyond that you’re trying to get something on someone,” said Walker. “Basically, you just dump it in and go and that’s it.”

 

Editor's Note: Chief John Walker shows how the drug box operates in the photo.