Probation Department Policy/Procedure Manual

3.2 Fentanyl Handling Procedure

Location	Department Wide Operations
Section	N/A
Subject	3.2 Fentanyl Handling Procedure
Purpose	Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids create a significant public safety risk to officers. Procedure to be followed to ensure safety of officers who may come in contact with it.
Effective Date	9/6/2019
Previous Effective Date

 

1. Detection:
   1. Discovery of any substance suspected of containing fentanyl/synthetic opioids shall be handled under the following guidelines
   2. Presumptive testing of any substance suspected to be narcotics is NOT PERMITTED.
2. Field Equipment:
   1. The following is a list of equipment that must be used when fentanyl/synthetic opioids are suspected.
      1. Nitrile Gloves
      2. N95 Face Mask
      3. Eye Protection
      4. Evidence bags
      5. Disposal bags
3. Uncontained Substance Protocol:
   1. Upon discovery of any open/uncontained substance suspected of containing fentanyl/synthetic opioids, officers shall proceed as follows:
      1. DO NOT touch or initiate contact with the substance or any items contaminated by the substance.
      2. Consider backing out of the location and/or securing the location.
      3. Contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction and a Probation supervisor and advise of situation.
      4. Contact Sheriff’s Dispatch and advise Watch Commander for possible response from the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit (SNU)
4. Evidence Collection Protocol: Any substance suspected of containing fentanyl/synthetic opioids that is “uncontained” shall not be collected as evidence.  Refer to Section III for uncontained substance protocol.
   1. If a substance suspected of containing fentanyl/synthetic opioids is already contained in a sealed bag or container and is needed for evidentiary purposes, officers shall proceed as follows:
      1. DO NOT remove the product from the original packaging
      2. DO NOT attempt to manipulate the bag or container.
   2. Put on Nitrile gloves, N95 Face Mask, and Eye Protection. Consider wearing long sleeves to reduce the risk of exposure.
   3. Secure the already contained substance into an evidence bag and seal.
   4. Before continuing with the collection of additional evidence, remove the gloves and dispose of them directly into an already open disposal bag.  Put on a new set of gloves BEFORE continuing with further collection/packaging of evidence.
   5. Label all bags containing suspected fentanyl/synthetic opioids clearly: SUSPECTED FENTANYL
      1. Upon completion of evidence collection/packaging, discard gloves in the disposal bag. Wash hands as soon as possible using cold water and soap.
      2. DO NOT use hand sanitizer for a cleaning agent
5. Booking Evidence: 
   1. Place the evidence into Property Locker #10 and place a Hazard warning magnet on that specific locker that shows there is a dangerous item inside to alert the Property Officers of this danger (The magnets are attached to the top or left side of the bank of lockers just to the right of the computer in the property room).
   2. Prior to going off duty, email the property officers to notify of possible fentanyl placed in locker.
6. Safety Precautions
   1. Handle all heroin, body patches, and unknown liquid/powders as if it contains fentanyl/synthetic opioids.
   2. If fentanyl/synthetic opioids are suspected to be in the area, avoid performing tasks that could stir up or “aerosolize” the substances.
   3. Upon contact with substances that could contain fentanyl/synthetic opioids, decontaminate as soon as possible.  This may include going off –duty to change clothing.
   4. The primary risk of exposure is through inhalation and exposure with mucous membranes.  If exposed, rinse eyes/mouth with copious amounts of cold water and seek medical attention.
   5. Offices should consider wearing two pairs of nitrile gloves if there is risk of compromising a single pair.  “Pat-down” or “search” gloves are not enough to protect from exposure.