Policy Text
Policy
805Fremont Police Department
Use of Narcotics Identification Kit
805.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
To assure continuity of testing and to decrease the loss of potency of the reagents, as well
as, maintain the neatness and cleanliness of the control station, and to assure the safety of all
personnel while performing NIK tests. The department has adopted standards in the usage of the
Narcotics Identification Kit (NIK) for report purposes.
Further, the department requires employees utilizing NIK kits to follow all safety protocols as
established.
805.2 PROCEDURES AND SAFETY
(a)One Control Station:
1.Evidence processing counter located outside of the Crime Lab.
2.The Crime Lab will be responsible for ordering reagents and for monitoring the
control station.
(a)All employees shall use latex examination gloves when handling any
controlled substances that are not packaged and when performing NIK
tests.
(b)Latex gloves should be disposed of after each use by placing them in the
appropriately marked container.
(c)Examples of an "uncontained" substance include transferring evidence
from one container to another, opening a container to obtain a sample, or
any handling of a controlled substance that is not packaged.
(b)NIK tests are to be used at control stations only. The tests are not to be removed for
use in the field.
(c)Four important factors to look for:
(a)The color.
(b)The color change, or lack thereof.
(c)The color intensity.
(d)Location of colors in test pack.
(d)How to use Test Pack:
(a)Select proper test pack and remove clip.
(b)Use flat toothpick to place material into test pack, tapping to make sure most
of material falls to bottom. Refold the pack at the original fold point and replace
clip securely, resealing test pack.
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Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentUse of Narcotics Identification Kit - 1
Fremont Police Department
Use of Narcotics Identification Kit
(c)Begin with printed side of test pack toward you. s in multiple ampule tests are
broken from left to right in accordance with individual test instructions; break
each ampule with tips of thumb and forefinger.
(a)NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO CRUSH SMALL GLASS
PARTICLES AFTER THE IS BROKEN.
(d)With the suspect material in the test pack and reagents released, agitate gently
according to individual test instructions.
(e)Compare the resulting color or color changes to the color code references on
the test pack in the polytesting system flow chart. It is often useful to review the
test pack against a light or in front of a white surface.
(a)NOTE: Variations may occur in color intensity. The printed colors are to
be used as a primary reference only. You should look for a color reaction
that approximates the color code rather than attempting to make an exact
match in color.
(f)Before discarding used test pack, remove clip and add one measure of acid
neutralizer from pack F. Add slowly to prevent bubbling over. Do not reseal test
pack until bubbling has stopped.
(g)Reseal test pack and discard in the appropriately marked container.
(a)CAUTION: Strong acid is used in the reagent. Use neutralizer after
testing.
(b)Be careful not to spill acid on skin or clothing. If accidentally taken orally,
call physician and use antidote of whites of egg or milk.
(h)Follow the written instructions on all tests.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/06/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentUse of Narcotics Identification Kit - 2