The device will allow officers to perform on-the-spot substance identification within seconds.
At last week’s city commission meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to approve the purchase of one TruNarc Narcotics Analytic Instrument from ThermoFisher for $26,252.30. The purchase is being funded by money in the capital account ($5,000), a transfer from the non-capital line item ($10,000) and Federal Equitable Share Fund Balance ($12,000).
The TruNarc device is a handheld narcotics analyzer that utilizes cutting-edge technology to enable police officers to analyze and identify a wide range of illicit drugs, including opioids, narcotics, stimulants and other controlled substances, without the need for physical contact of the substance.The device emits a laser light beam and analyzes the chemical signature produced by the substance. The device compares the chemical signature with an onboard library of hundreds of signatures of common drugs and other common substances that it is likely to encounter. Based on the comparison, officers can presumptively identify if the suspected substance is illegal or not.
Police Chief James Bradford, who gave a presentation to commissioners about the device, said it will give officers the ability to presumptively identify illegal substances through plastic or glass, thus limiting officers’ exposure to lethal substances.
“The drug problem is ever-present, with trafficking of methamphetamines, heroin, and emerging threats like fentanyl and carfentanyl impacting communities worldwide,” he said. “We as law enforcement officers need to quickly identify suspected narcotics in the field to help keep drugs, and drug dealers off the streets,” he said. “The TruNarc instrument provides a safer way to conduct investigations.”
By minimizing direct contact with the substances, the device enhances officer safety and reduces the risk of accidental exposure to dangerous drugs. It provides a valuable layer of protection during the investigation of potentially hazardous situations.
City Manager Bill McDaniel acknowledges the importance of providing police officers with the necessary tools and technology to combat drug-related crimes directly. “This is a much safer, faster and effective way to establish probable cause that the substance is an illicit narcotic,” he said. “You don’t want to be exposing officers to any hazards unduly.”
