Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Captain Ethan Hanson Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Produced by : Reserve Officer Ernest Lockwood, PSU Volume 25-6
Fentanyl Overdoses
7-01-2025
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office (SCCO) reports that since 2019, there have been more
than 1,100 fentanyl -related deaths in Sacramento County. There have been instances where arrests
and prosecutions for murder have occurred against those accused of selling fentanyl to the
deceased. Like many death investigations, these types of cases can be challenging to investigate and
difficult to prosecute. The region has established the Sacramento Fentanyl Overdose Resolution
Team (FORT) to improve the investigative response time, support, resources, guidance, and
leadership with fentanyl overdose cases.
FORT is comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement partners working collaboratively for
investigation and prosecution of fentanyl overdose cases. The SCCO will be the initial point of contact
for cases that potentially meet the FORT criteria to investigate. The FORT will evaluate the
circumstances of SCCO referred cases and may request additional follow -up by the Sacramento
Police Department’s (SPD) Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Any SIU callouts related to fentanyl
overdoses should be initiated by FORT.
SPD employees shall continue to follow the guidance of RCTB 120 (Response to Calls Involving
Deceased Individuals) and GO 533.03 (Dead Human Bodies [currently in revision]). The
establishment of the FORT shall not change our response to these calls. Officers should keep in mind
that a fentanyl overdose case may involve criminal conduct and officers should complete thorough
investigations.
In order for SPD to conduct further investigative follow -up of a fentanyl overdose death, all the
following shall be present on scene:
1. Juvenile victim under the age of 18 years old.
2. Functioning and accessible electronic communication device (e.g., cell phone, smartphone,
laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.).
3. Cooperative family, friends, or witnesses.
4. Evidence of fentanyl or opioid use or recent use to include, but not limited to:
a. The p resence of narcotic paraphernalia, witness statements, admissions, or a trained
professionals’ observation of respiratory depression (e.g., gurgling, or rattling noise
during breathing) or foaming at the mouth.
Potential fentanyl overdose deaths in which only the Sacramento Fire Department and SCCO
respond, SCCO deputy coroners shall be responsible for the initial investigation to include the
collection of evidence and notification to the FORT as applicable. SPD personnel may be requested
to provide scene security if SIU is required to respond.