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SHERIFF / PURCHASING - Sheriff Dave Kain
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Requested Action(s)
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a) Request authorization for the Purchasing Agent to sign a purchase order to Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc. for the acquisition of (1) new TruNarc Delta drug identification tester in the amount of $36,116.44
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Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the FY 25/26 general fund. Grant funding from the State of California Board of State Community Corrections (BSCC) Edward Byrne Memorial Grant will be utilized for the purchase of the first drug identification tester.
Background Information:
The Tehama County Sheriff's Office has experienced a significant increase in narcotics-related incidents involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other synthetic substances. These substances pose an immediate threat to officer safety and public health due to their potency and unpredictable composition. Currently, the department possesses only one drug identification tester that will be considered obsolete at the end of 2025, which is shared between Patrol and the TMCU. This shared use limits availability during concurrent operations and increases the risk of accidental exposure when deputies must rely on less reliable field tests.
The acquisition of a new portable drug identification tester would enable real-time, non-destructive analysis of suspected narcotics in the field, allowing deputies and investigators to make safer, more accurate determinations while reducing handling risks. These capabilities are essential to maintaining public safety and good order, particularly during time-sensitive investigations where rapid identification can prevent overdoses, protect officers, and preserve evidence integrity.
The Thermo Fisher Scientific TruNarc Delta Unlimited was identified as the most operationally sound and cost-effective option for the Tehama County Sheriff's Office. This model is a fully self-contained system that does not rely on external d...
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