The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is at the forefront of a new initiative aimed at combating the city’s ongoing fentanyl crisis.
They will become the first department in the nation to pilot a new device capable of detecting recent fentanyl use through saliva samples collected in the field.
This program follows Mayor Breed’s directive to intensify enforcement efforts against drug use in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods. As per the source solondais
While the SFPD already utilizes equipment for testing suspected drug use, a critical gap existed in fentanyl detection.
In collaboration with Dräger, the manufacturer of the existing Dräger DrugTest 5000 device, the SFPD addressed this limitation.
The initial model lacked fentanyl detection capabilities, prompting the department to request an upgrade. Dräger successfully developed a new iteration of the device specifically designed to identify fentanyl use.
This portable device offers significant advantages. It allows officers to conduct on-site saliva tests, streamlining the process and facilitating quicker results.
Related Articles:
The Big Apple’s Best Bites: A Guide to NYC’s Top Pastrami Sandwiches
San Francisco Top Burgers: Classic to Gourmet
Ventura Beach Scare: Local Man Attacks Teens with Golf Club and Gun
The test itself has the potential to detect a comprehensive range of substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, various opioids, and benzodiazepines.
The SFPD emphasizes that this is a pilot program. A crucial aspect of the initiative involves assessing the accuracy and effectiveness of the new device in detecting fentanyl use.
While concerns have been raised regarding potential legal challenges based on untested technology and a perceived emphasis on users over dealers, the SFPD maintains that the program’s primary objective is to gather valuable data to inform future strategies in addressing the city’s drug crisis.