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Wixom council approves $45,760 purchase of handheld narcotics analyzer to reduce officer exposure
Summary
Council authorized purchase of a Thermo Fisher Scientific TrueNarc handheld analyzer and Type H2 solution kit for $45,760 from forfeiture funds; police said the device can identify narcotics through packaging and will reduce officers' need to handle suspected fentanyl-containing substances.
Wixom — The city council approved a $45,760 purchase of a Thermo Fisher Scientific TrueNarc handheld analyzer and the TrueNarc Type H2 solution kit, to be paid from the department's forfeiture fund.
Chief Langmire told the council the TrueNarc uses a laser to identify illicit narcotics without opening packaging, reducing officer exposure to fentanyl and other dangerous compounds. "It can tell us what narcotics are in a bag through the bag. We don't have to touch it," he said, describing the device as fast and accepted by the prosecutor's office as sufficient for filing charges.
Langmire said the Type H2 kit is designed to allow analysis of very small amounts — "just a little bit of a dust on a baggie" — and that the department could reliably train up to 12 patrol officers on the device. "I will train up to 12 users for it," he said, adding the department intends to keep the units at the station rather than deploying them routinely in patrol cars.
Council members asked about evidentiary reliability and handling procedures. Staff said the device's field readings provide probable cause for charges; lab confirmation would follow once charges are filed. The council moved and approved the purchase by voice vote; the motion carried.
