Westport Police Department and DEA Announce Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 24th
Press ReleaseOn Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Westport Police Department will again partner with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will be held at the Westport Center for Senior Activities located at 21 Imperial Avenue.
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. The study shows that a majority of abused 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.
Please note that collection sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Additionally, please see the attached link in regards to disposal of vape pens: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/vaping_disposal.pdf
Vape pens where the batteries can be removed, can be disposed of at the drug take back. Vape pens where batteries cannot be removed will NOT be accepted at the drug take back.
Last fall Americans turned in nearly 492.7 tons of prescription drugs at 4587 sites operated by the DEA and its state and local law enforcement partners. Please join the Westport Police Department in doing our part to help continue the success of this vital initiative.
For those seeking more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 24th Take Back Day event, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/
Residents are also reminded that a year-round collection bin is located in the lobby of Westport police headquarters, where prescription drugs can be properly disposed of at any time rather than waiting for designated collection dates.
Police Department Supports Autism Awareness Month with New Badges, Vehicle Seals
Press Release - Chief of Westport Police Foti KoskinasApril is Autism Awareness Month, and the Westport Police Department enthusiastically stands with the autistic community in celebrating this opportunity to promote both education and a greater understanding of autism.
In a 2016 study, the Center for Disease Control stated that one in every fifty-four U.S. children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the National Autism Center this means that “at least one million U.S. boys and girls have autism, not to mention the rapidly growing number of adults with autism.”
These statistics certainly suggest that autism touches most of our lives in some way and because of that the Westport Police is committed to supporting those with autism as well as their family members.
To honor the autistic community and to promote autism awareness, Westport officers have purchased Autism Awareness Commemorative Badges which they will be wearing on their uniforms during April. The badge is blue and prominently features the puzzle piece logo in the center which is the universal symbol of autism awareness. A portion of the badge’s purchase price will be donated directly to Autism Speaks to help fund this organization’s crucial work. An additional way we will be promoting this important cause is by affixing the puzzle piece logo onto the doors of all our police cars. The logos were generously donated by Fleet Auto Supply.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas noted that, “autism is very prevalent but unfortunately is often misunderstood. That is why we are taking this time to promote awareness as well as acceptance and the Westport Police Department is proud to be a part of that effort.”
Autism Awareness Month is also an opportune time to remind the community about Westport’s Disability Registry. Its creation was a combined effort of the Westport Disability Commission, Human Services, and the Police Department. The confidential registry is used to provide essential information that will assist the police and other emergency workers to address the needs of residents of all abilities. Please see the following link for more information about how to sign up for the registry: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=22465
New Milford Man Held on $50,000 Bond, $1,500 Bond for Violating Restraining Order, Assault
Westport Police DepartmentAssault, Disorderly Conduct
On December 11, 2020 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the complainant came to the Westport Police Department to report two separate disturbances. The complainant alleged that during each of these incidents she was physically assaulted by Justin King. Mr. King was interviewed and denied the allegations. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for the arrest of Mr. King.
On the morning of March 10, 2021, Mr. King was taken into custody by officers from the New Milford Police Department and turned over to the Westport Police. He was charged with Assault in the Third Degree and two counts of Disorderly Conduct. Mr. King was held on a $1500.00 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court later that same morning for his arraignment.
Restraining Order Violation
On December 22, 2020 at approximately 11:18 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a Westport address on a report of a possible violation of a restraining order and conditions of release. The complainant stated that there is currently an active restraining order and conditions of release in place which bars Justin King from contacting her. She alleged that King violated the order by contacting her via text. Mr. King was interviewed and denied the allegation. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for the arrest of Mr. King.
On the morning of March 10, 2021, Mr. King was taken into custody by officers from the New Milford Police Department and turned over to the Westport Police. He was charged with Violation of Conditions of Release and Violation of a Restraining Order. Mr. King was held on a $50,000.00 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court later that same morning for his arraignment.
UPDATE: Westport Police Civilian Review Board on Agenda at Public Safety Meeting POSTPONED to March 1.
This meeting was postponed to March 1. No explanation was given regarding the sudden postponement of the meeting.
A discussion on a police civilian review board will take place tonight on Zoom at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held by the RTM Public Protection committee, and will discuss the proposal made by Westporter Jason Stiber to counter First Selectman Jim Marpe’s plan of a similar panel.
Agenda:
To discuss and vote to recommend to the full RTM on the following: A proposed ordinance by Jason Stiber to create a Civilian Review Board as oversight for the Westport Police Department. The purpose of such a board would be to investigate citizen complaints against members of the Westport Police Department. To also participate in hiring decisions for officers of the WPD, and to receive and make recommendations for service awards for officers of the WPD.