Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carlos G. Bolanos, Sheriff
Subject: Purchase of TruNarc Analyzer Device
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Adopt a resolution waiving the competitive bidding process for the purchase of handheld narcotics analyzer devices and authorizing the San Mateo County Sheriff or his/her designee to purchase TruNarc handheld narcotics analyzer devices for an amount not to exceed $257,083; and
B) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing revenue transfer from Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Trust Fund (03818) of $120,000 and increasing appropriations to Fixed Assets.
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BACKGROUND:
Narcotics are often located by Sheriff's Office staff in the performance of their duties requiring them to handle, test and package the narcotics for evidence. Fentanyl and other opioid based narcotics which have become more prevalent in recent years are among the many narcotics being located daily in San Mateo County.
Fentanyl has been found in a variety of forms and often resembles the appearance of other less dangerous substances. While common practice in the past has been to exercise precaution when handling narcotics by wearing personal protection equipment, the practice has required manipulating a small amount of the unknown substance for field testing purposes. Because of the significant threat these drugs pose to the health and safety of law enforcement personnel, field testing of suspected narcotics and unknown substances is now discouraged.
In December of 2017, San Mateo County Emergency Medical Services generated a County Drug Surveillance Report. The report indicated that between January of 2017 and November of 2017, there were 45 administrations of Narcan; 112 self-reported overdoses to California Poison Control; and 33 drug-related deaths from suspected fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids.
A product called TruNarc is curr...
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