WHEREAS, in the United States there are more current non-medical users of prescription controlled substances than the number of abusers of cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens (other than marijuana) combined (SAMHSA, 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health); and

WHEREAS, 1 in 5 teens report abusing prescription controlled substances to get high at least once in their lives and 1 in 7 in the past year and the presence of unused controlled substance prescription drugs in the household is likely contributing to increasing rates of prescription drug abuse among teens who believe they are safer than street drugs (Partnership for Drug Free America); and

WHEREAS, the IACP recognizes that many consumers of legally obtained prescription controlled substances currently have limited options by which they can properly dispose of unwanted or expired drugs; and

WHEREAS, there is growing concern regarding the effects of disposing of unused prescription drugs into the waste system that may be contributing to the contamination of drinking water; and

WHEREAS, the federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) and implementing regulations establish requirements to prevent the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate supply for legitimate uses; and

WHEREAS, the CSA and its implementing regulations do not currently contemplate a situation in which a legitimate consumer would distribute a controlled substance, even for destruction, restricting the opportunity to utilize community take-back programs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police duly assembled at its 117th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, strongly supports establishment of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, to be conducted twice yearly in the Spring to coincide with high school year-end activities and in the Fall in conjunction with National Law Enforcement Week; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP urges consideration of amendments to statutory and regulatory requirements regarding controlled substances to provide for safe and responsible disposal of prescription controlled substances in a manner consistent with the CSA and implementing regulations in the best interest of public health and safely.