NEWPORT, Oregon — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has acquired and is now using a new state-of-the-art device that offers law enforcement a safer, smarter approach to combating drug problems. The device also helps detect explosives and chemical warfare agents.

The device is the portable Raman analyzer TacticID Mobile from Metrohm.

The Raman analyzer has already proven effective in confirming the identity of suspected illegal drugs and in identifying suspected drugs as other substances in actual sheriff’s office cases.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain the Raman Analyzer through the Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department using funding from the Lincoln County Opioid Settlement Funds. The Raman Analyzer will also be available to other law enforcement agencies in Lincoln County.

Officers and detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are currently completing training provided by Metrohm to ensure proper use of the device.

“The Raman analyzer is easy to use and much safer than previous methods of drug testing,” said Detective Chris Marks. “Previous methods had a higher risk of chemical exposure and accidental contact with the samples being tested because the samples were unpacked or repackaged for testing.”

“The Raman scanner is definitely a step forward in safe and reliable substance analysis. The device is safer and more efficient,” said Evidence Control Specialist Sara Tabb, who plays a critical role in packaging, preparing and supporting substance testing. “While the Raman analyzer does not replace the required crime lab testing and confirmation for law enforcement, it does allow us to perform effective preliminary testing to identify the substances.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the Raman analyzer uses a laser to penetrate most types of packaging, including tough road samples, colored samples and impure samples. It can quickly scan directly through transparent containers. It then identifies substances based on the spectrum returned and compares the data to the more than 24,000 known substances in its database. The device must be calibrated before each analysis so the operator can confirm it is working properly.

“We are always looking for better technology to support our mission of improving public safety,” said Sheriff Curtis Landers. “One of the benefits of this device is that it also improves the safety of deputies and provides a tool to law enforcement agencies throughout Lincoln County.”