The Manitowoc Police Department has received a new tool to help them identify narcotics.
Thanks to a state grant, the Department was able to purchase a TruNarc narcotics analyzer, which is used in conducting safe identification of controlled substances.
According to a post on Facebook, the MTPD intends to use the device for controlled substance testing as another method to keep employee safety a number one priority and to limit the risk of accidental exposure.
Officers will be going through a short training process to certify their ability to utilize the device.
In recent years, the national trend has been for controlled substances to be cut or adulterated with fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has a potency 50-100 times stronger than morphine.
Due to the rise in fentanyl-based products being readily available nationally and in Wisconsin, the TruNarc analyzer will be another method provided to law enforcement to complete safe and efficient identification of controlled substances.
