Police: Prescription drug abuse increasingly common
Jan 22, 2009 By Halie Johnson
Crime forum also touches on skatepark and curfew
The teen curfew law, skatepark safety, the new red-light camera, overly aggressive solicitors and the rising abuse of prescription drugs were all topics of discussion at a Jan. 15 community crime forum.
The San Diego Police Department's Northwestern Division hosted the meeting for area residents at the Carmel Valley Community Center.
Curfew law "We use it as a very selective tool," Community Relations Officer Gaylon Sells said of the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for minors in San Diego.
Sells said officers use discretion when it comes to stopping a minor who is driving home versus stopping a minor who is making a stop at a convenience store after 10 p.m., for example.
He also said officers take into consideration the juveniles heading home from Del Mar between 10 and 11 p.m. because Del Mar's curfew begins at 11 p.m.
Skatepark concerns The Carmel Valley Skatepark and skateparks countywide are no longer supervised due to budget cuts.
The biggest concern was park users not wearing the required helmet and pads.
"They have the gear, they're just not putting it on," division police Captain Kathy Healey said. She said when police warn skatepark users about the safety rules they generally go straight to their cars to get the gear.
Starting in early February a grace period ends and anyone in violation of the rules is subject to a ticket, which could result in a fine or community service hours.
The Northwestern Division police station is next door to the skatepark.
Red-light camera in effect Enforcement of the red light violations caught on camera at Del Mar Heights and El Camino Real is now in effect, the department warned.
A grace period has ended and violators are subject to a $436 ticket, a press release stated. Oxycodone use on the rise
Sells also offered the following advice to parents: hide your prescription drugs, particularly opium-based painkillers, such as Oxycodone, Percodan and Percoset.
He said prescription drug abuse is on the rise, especially among "affluent" teens.
These drugs are highly addictive and expensive. Sells said users often turn to heroin when their supply runs out because it is less expensive.
Aggressive solicitors The police also warned residents to be wary of overly aggressive solicitors.
Many of the approximately 20 audience members had stories to tell about aggressive solicitors. The police advised using caution when answering the door for strangers and went as far as to say they should refrain from opening the door at all.
For more information, contact the Northwestern Division at (858) 523-7000.
Halie Johnson Halie Johnson is the assistant editor at San Diego Suburban Newspapers. E-mail her with comments or questions.
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