Gates Mills Police Department

Proud to Serve…Sworn to Protect

From Your Police Department:

The Police Department recently partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Program. During that time, we collected 28 lbs of unwanted/unused medication and had participation from 20 residents.

The April 29 collection brought in 900,386 pounds of drugs at nearly 5,500 sites nationwide. Since September 2010, these events have altogether collected 8.1 million pounds of prescription drugs. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows most abused 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. DEA’s next National Prescription Take Back Day is Oct. 2

Due to the success of the program and to continue to do our part to prevent abuse of prescription drugs, we are exploring the feasibility of placing a 24-hour Rx Drug Drop Box here at the town hall so residents can dispose of unwanted medications safely at any time. I will keep you posted on the progress.

In May, Ptl. Eric Pavlick has been added to our part time ranks. In 2011, Eric completed his high school senior project with us and we have kept in touch as he completed his education and began his career in law enforcement. We are very excited to have Eric with us and believe he will be a great asset to the Village!

And finally, I would also like to recognize and congratulate Detective Michael Day, Ptl. Eric Kimball, and Ptl. John Richards who recently completed their 15th year serving the Village of Gates Mills as full time police officers. Michael, Eric, and John all do a tremendous job for the department and we are fortunate to have them here in the Village.

Have a great summer!

Until next month – Proud to serve…Sworn to Protect

Yours in Service,

Gregg Minichello

Chief of Police (440) 423-4405 ext. 112

gminichello@gatesmillsvillage.com