Police Reports

By Annette Christie

Watervliet City Police activity

  For the month of September, the Watervliet City Police Department had 88 calls for service.  The department made one felony arrest and 14 misdemeanor arrests.  Of the 48 traffic stops made, they issued 18 citations and 47 warnings.    Police Chief Tim Sutherland announced that they have received a $2,000 grant from Michigan Gas Utilities for the purpose of providing video systems for the patrol cars.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, October 22

  On Saturday, October 22, the Michigan State Police (MSP) will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.   MSP’s thirty posts will participate in the one-day “Take-Back” effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, by serving as drop-off points for Michiganders to properly discard expired, unused, and unwanted medications for destruction.  No liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will be accepted.   “Overdoses, prescription drug abuse and accidental poisonings are very real problems in Michigan,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Initiatives like this are essential to the safety and health of our residents. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.”   During a similar event held in April, MSP posts collected a total of 1,189 pounds of prescription drugs.    Unused medicines in homes often lend themselves to misuse and abuse.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  The disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash poses potential safety and environmental hazards.   Persons unable to participate on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day can anonymously surrender their prescription drugs at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.    The closest MSP posts to the Tri-City area are: Niles Post, 1600 Silverbrook Avenue, Niles (269) 683-4411; and Paw Paw Post, 43255 60th Avenue, Paw Paw, (269) 657-5551.