Howard County Police to Offer Outreach Events

The Howard County Police Department has several outreach and community 
service events planned this month and later into fall that range from recruiting new officers to helping residents dispose of outdated medicines.

Saturday:

HCPD Day, from 9 a.m. to noon at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville.

The department will be recruiting for police officer, lateral officer and police cadet applicants. Potential applicants can learn about job opportunities, benefits, the application process and academy life.

The event will feature displays of police equipment and demonstrations by specialized units.

Visitors will be able to tour the training center, which features the latest technology in law enforcement training.

Written and physical testing will begin at 10 a.m. A doctor's authorization is required for physical testing.

Oct. 18:

Vehicle Identification Number Etching, 5 to 7:30 p.m., weather permitting, at the Oakland Mills police satellite office, 5820 Stevens Forest Road.

Engraving a car's vehicle identification number on all of the major pieces of glass is a highly effective theft deterrent and assists in returning a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner, according to police officials.

Commercial dealers charge as much as $200 for this service, but Howard County is offering it for free.

Participants can also register for Watch Your Car, a national vehicle-theft prevention program aimed at deterring auto theft. Registrants will get a free steering wheel lock, while supplies last.

To save time, participants are encouraged to call 410-313-4759 in advance 
with their car ID numbers.

The event is sponsored by the Maryland/D.C. Anti-Car Theft Committee and 
Howard County police.

Oct. 21 and 22:

Collision Avoidance Training at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training 
Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive.

Police officers will provide a defensive driving and vehicle control program for teens that is adapted from law enforcement training.

The program is for newly licensed drivers who need specialized experience in evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, backing, skid recovery and other driving tactics.

The timing of the event will allow new, young drivers to sharpen their skills before facing their first winter behind the wheel of a car.

Classroom lessons will be held on Friday, followed by behind-the-wheel
training on Saturday.

Participants must be 16- to 19-years-old and must provide their own car.

The cost is $95. Space is limited.

The program will be repeated Nov. 19 and 19 and Dec. 9 and 10.

Oct. 29:

Residents can drop off unwanted or expired medicines from 10 a.m. to noon at eight sites in Columbia, Ellicott City and Laurel.

The event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take 
Back Initiative.

Medicines will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, according to police officials.

The drop-off is anonymous and no questions will be asked.

The proper disposal of old medicines helps prevent accidental poisoning,
overdose and abuse of prescription drugs, officials said.