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Stayton police demonstrate portable NARC Ranger device obtained with grant
Summary
Sergeant Dean Butler demonstrated a portable NARC Ranger device purchased via a $5,000 grant to reduce officer exposure when testing suspected narcotics. Staff said the unit identifies many controlled substances and inconclusive results are sent to a lab for confirmation.
The Stayton Police Department demonstrated a portable NARC Ranger drug‑testing device, which Sergeant Dean Butler said the department acquired with a $5,000 grant.
Butler, who identified himself as with the state police department, said the unit uses a laser sensor to measure the sample’s spectral vibration and can identify powders, liquids and solids when they are in a clear container. He said larger commercial units sell for $25,000–$30,000; Stayton’s unit was acquired through a grant because the city helped test the technology for the vendor. For inconclusive results, Butler said officers can request lab confirmation and that a supporting lab (Oak Chemistry/Oak Chemical) will return a full report.
Councilors asked about the device’s legal use and scope. Butler said the technology has been used for years in chemical research and that the portable units are now compact enough for field use; he emphasized that when the device yields an inconclusive result the sample is sent for formal lab analysis.
Chief Johns highlighted recent arrests and thanked staff for pursuing grants. Council members asked whether more units will be purchased; Butler said the current unit is portable and he hopes not to need additional units immediately.
Next step: The police department will incorporate the device into field operations and provide evidence receipts/prints for chain of custody; inconclusive results will be confirmed by lab analysis per current procedures.
