Michael W. Gahagan, Chief of Police for the Caribou Police Department
CADET members count on each other’s expertise. Pines will not keep onsite for everyone’s safety
For example, Chief Gahagan said his department and security. In all of these scenarios, we give
relies heavily on Pines to be on the cutting edge of Chief Gahagan a call and an officer picks up the
pain management and to educate the community medications.” The take-back program has resulted
in tons of medications disposed of safely rather than
about the options.
The comfort level fostered through CADET entering the natural environment or contributing to
substance abuse and related crimes.
has extended to the general
Thanks to communities like
community with the “takeCaribou, Maine is one of the
back” program. People have
largest “take-back” states in
come to know Caribou as a
the country.
safe place to properly dispose
Chief Gahagan sees
of their expired or unused
real results from the
medications. Citizens bring
collaborative efforts of
them to the police station,
CADET’s members. Drug
or the police pick them up in
Chief Gahagan, Caribou PD
the home. Lisa Caron, Chief
arrests and burglary rates
have
both
decreased.
Operating Officer of Pines,
Elderly citizens are less likely to become victims of
added, “There are different scenarios we
encounter every day in which we obtain old or unused prescription medication theft. In short, Caribou is
medications from patients. Sometimes they bring one of the safest communities in Maine, owing in
them when they have an office visit. Sometimes their large part to its spirit of collaboration. Just as the
provider changes their medication regime, rendering Suboxone clinic, the bubble packs, and the take-back
their existing medications obsolete. Sometimes program have been influential beyond Caribou’s
these medications are controlled substances, which borders, other counties within Maine have adopted
“Leave the door
open. Be receptive
to new ideas.”
54 To Serve a Community SUMMER 2011