On 08/02/2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office acquired and is now utilizing a new state of the art tool giving law enforcement a safer and smarter edge to combat drug problems in our communities. This device also aids in detecting explosives and chemical agents.
The device is the TacticID Mobile handheld Raman analyzer produced by Metrohm. The Raman analyzer has already proven to be effective by confirming the identity of suspected illegal drugs, and in identifying suspected drugs as other substances in actual Sheriff’s Office cases.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain the Raman analyzer through Lincoln County Health and Human Services with funding from Lincoln County Opioid Settlement Funds. The Raman analyzer will also be available to other law enforcement agencies in Lincoln County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives are currently completing training conducted by Metrohm to ensure proper use of the device.
Detective Chris Marks said, “The Raman analyzer is simple to use and much safer than previous methods of drug testing. Previous methods had a higher level of potential exposure to chemicals and accidental contact with the samples being tested due to unpackaging or repackaging samples for testing.” Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Control Specialist Sara Tabb, who plays a critical role in packaging, preparing, and assisting in substance testing commented, “The Raman scanner is definitely a step forward in safe and reliable substance analysis. The device is safer and more efficient. While the Raman analyzer does not replace the requirement for crime lab testing and confirmation for prosecution, it does give us effective presumptive testing for the identification of the substances.”
The Raman analyzer utilizes a laser to penetrate most forms of packaging including tough street samples, colored samples, and impure samples. It can rapidly scan directly through transparent containers. It then identifies substances by the returned spectrum and compares the data to the over 24,000 known substances in its database. The device requires calibration verification before each analysis so the operator can confirm its working correctly. Sheriff Curtis Landers stated, “We are always looking for better technology to empower our mission of enhancing public safety. One of the benefits of this device is that is also improves deputy safety and provides a tool for law enforcement agencies across Lincoln County.”
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