News Release Kearney Police Department
KEARNEY, Neb.-As an innovative, contemporary, Law Enforcement Agency, the Kearney Police Department is always looking for ways to leverage technology in the delivery of professional police service. With this in mind, the department recently purchased two TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzers from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The use of and possession of illicit narcotics and opioids continue to skyrocket throughout the United States. The potential exposure to lethal drugs like fentanyl threatens public safety. The need to identify these banned substances safely and accurately has never been more important. The TruNarc scanner will allow officers to rapidly identify drugs safely.
Traditionally, unknown substances located and seized by Police Officers in the field are tested using field test kits that require the substance to be removed from packaging, possibly exposing the officer to dangerous substances. The TruNarc scanner allows the officer to identify the substance with no direct contact with the unknown, potentially dangerous substance. Officers are required to be trained and certified prior to using the device.
“The safety of our Police Officers and our community is a top priority at KPD, this technology will serve to prevent potential life-threatening exposure to unknown substances by our officers, while also providing accurate field testing and identification.” - Chief Bryan D. Waugh
The opportunity to add this valuable resource was made possible thanks to a generous, anonymous donation to the Kearney Police Department.