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Sheriff’s office to receive $748,900 in state equipment funding for Operation Desert Guardian
Summary
The Board approved a $748,900 agreement with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to equip the Sheriff's Office in support of Operation Desert Guardian, a statewide anti‑smuggling initiative; staff described equipment purchases focused on officer safety and narcotics screening.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement Oct. 7 to accept $748,900 from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to purchase equipment for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office in support of Operation Desert Guardian.
Sheriff’s representatives told the board the funding — part of a statewide initiative the governor launched earlier this year — pays for equipment to assist deputies in narcotics and human‑smuggling investigations. A sheriff’s representative described a TrueNarc scanner as one example: "The scanner...you don't have to open the package. You don't have to touch it," the presenter said, noting the device’s role for safer fentanyl screening.
Supervisor Frank Antonori asked whether the grant is designed to prevent illegal crossings or to support investigations after contraband or people cross the border. The sheriff’s representative said the program’s focus is to “disrupt and to do the investigations,” and to deter future crossings by increasing detection and enforcement.
The board approved the state agreement by a 3‑0 vote. The term cited in the motion showed effective dates of March 10, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025 (the board noted and clarified a typographical range during discussion). The agreement authorizes equipment purchases intended to improve officer safety and investigative capability under the state’s Operation Desert Guardian program.
