The Effects of Project Medicine Drop on Burglary and the Opiate Epidemic in New Jersey Municipalities

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

This study examines the effects of Project Medicine Drop (PMD) on residential burglary rates in New Jersey. PMD is an initiative from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey that provides residents with the ability to dispose of unused and expired medication at drop boxes located within local police departments and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The intent of the program is to prevent and reduce the abuse of prescription drugs. Last year, PMD Boxes were operational at 212 New Jersey law enforcement agencies throughout the state with more than 68,000 pounds of prescription drugs recovered through this program. This study examines the effects of PMD on residential burglary and other opiate-related outcomes, such as opiate sales and possession arrests, and overdoses. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Authors

• Brendan Theodore Bianchi, Monmouth University

• Brian Lockwood, Monmouth University

• Douglas Collier, Monmouth University