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Procedure 8020Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2018/08/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentCONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING AND COLLECTION - 1CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING AND COLLECTION 8020.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to establish protocol for the handling, collection and booking of controlled substances. 8020.2 INTRODUCTION Law enforcement officers frequently encounter controlled substances that have the potential for serious health risks if not properly handled. However, with the recent proliferation of Fentanyl and its analogs (i.e. Carfentanil), the risk of serious injury or death is much greater. Fentanyl is a highly toxic and easily transferable powerful opioid that poses a serious danger to personnel handling it. Fentanyl can be absorbed into the body by all means including injection, oral ingestion, contact with mucous membranes, inhalation and through skin contact. It can be manufactured in pill, powder, liquid and patch form and has also been found in Heroin and other drugs which makes identification difficult. Therefore, accidental exposure by first responders is a very real danger. 8020.3 GROSS FENTANYL EXPOSURE In situations involving possible gross Fentanyl contamination, where there are signs of Fentanyl overdose and/or exposure risks are high, first responders should assess the environment, notify supervision and request the proper personnel and equipment. The Watch Commander should be contacted if any of the following are needed: the Orange County Fire Authority’s Hazardous Materials Team, the Santa Ana Police Department’s Narcotics Unit or the Regional Narcotic Suppression Program’s Lab Response Team. 8020.4 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LOCATED IN THE FIELD While the effects of Fentanyl can differ from person to person, it is important to remember exposure to an extremely small amount can have adverse and potentially deadly consequences. Due to the extreme toxicity of Fentanyl in all forms, the following protocols shall be followed in the handling, collection and booking of all controlled substances. 8020.5 FIELD TESTING 1.In all cases where Fentanyl is suspected, no presumptive test kit shall be performed in the field. The substance shall be booked according the procedures outlined below in section 8020.7 and 8020.8. 2.Misdemeanor charge - Personnel should not conduct a presumptive field test of any controlled substances when the involved charge is a misdemeanor. 3.Felony charge – If the involved charge is a felony and an articulable need to test the substance exists, presumptive field tests can be completed at the officer’s discretion prior to packaging and sending to the lab for evaluation. If presumptive testing is Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING AND COLLECTION Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2018/08/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentCONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING AND COLLECTION - 2deemed necessary, personnel are strongly encouraged to conduct the field testing with a partner present. 8020.6 COLLECTION/HANDLING PROCEDURES 1.Communicate with other first responders and emergency personnel when an unknown substance is present. 2.When possible, all controlled substances should be collected with two officers present. Nasal Naloxone should be readily available. 3.The handling officer should don PPE, consisting of a minimum of two (2) pair of nitrile gloves, face mask (N95) and eye protection. 8020.7 PACKAGING PROCEDURES 1.All narcotics and other unknown substances will be packaged in a sealed, clear plastic ziploc baggie, which shall then be placed in a second, sealed Ziploc baggie (or clear plastic heat sealed bags of appropriate size). The evidence should then be placed into an Evidence envelope and sealed. A.Exception: Plant material will mold in plastic and therefore can be placed in paper bags and/or envelopes.) 2.When removing PPE, pull off the outer set of gloves before touching anything else. Once the outer gloves are off, you can then remove the rest of your PPE, removing the second set of gloves last. 3.All PPE utilized during the collection of any suspected controlled substances shall be placed into the first responder red disposal bag (included in testing kit), tied up and disposed of at the police department. A.Exception: If the controlled substance is suspected to be Fentanyl or if any of the controlled substance comes into contact with the PPE, place PPE into a red disposal bag and dispose of in the biohazard disposal bin located in the dry locker. 4.All suspected controlled substances shall be packaged in the field prior to transportation to the department to minimize the risk of exposure. 5.All controlled substances shall be transported in vehicle trunks or in the rear cargo area of SUV’s. 6.Any substance believed to contain Fentanyl shall be immediately booked into evidence and a large neon sticker “Fentanyl Suspected” attached to the package. A.In addition to the primary package, evidence suspected to be Fentanyl (or a similar toxic substance) must be contained in a least two plastic bags. B.If Fentanyl or a similar toxic substance is suspected, it must be noted on the WRCS evidence request and documented on the evidence whenever possible 7.All large item cases of 400 grams or more, including kilos, must be in plastic ziplocs or heat seal bags prior to placement in boxes or paper bags. Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING AND COLLECTION