Combating Prescription Drug Abuse by Young People under 18

This program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), the Byrne Competitive Program helps local communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system.

The Smart Policing Initiative seeks to build upon the concepts of 'offender-based' and 'place-based' policing and broaden the knowledge of effective policing strategies. The most convincing research demonstrates that 'place-based' or 'hotspot' policing reduces violent crime and neighborhood disorder. This initiative address the need for effective policing that requires a tightly focused, collaborative approach that is measurable, based on sound, detailed analysis and includes policies and procedures for accountability.

The city of Reno will educate the public, drug prescribers, pharmacies, and patrol officers about prescription drug abuse. They will train police officers to recognize illegal possession and distribution of prescription drugs and provide them with the technology in their vehicles for identifying pills that are not in their proper container. Reno City will also work with the Nevada Board of Pharmacy to see if a system can be established that will notify law enforcement of any abuse or fraud concerns related to prescription drugs. Reno City will also hold prescription drug drop-off events, where drugs can be disposed of properly, preventing the abuse and protecting the environment. The Reno Police Department will partner with Washoe County Child Protective Services to identify children of drug abusers, who will be referred to the Strengthening Families program.

CA/NCF