Enhancing Accuracy and Safety: New Frontiers in Field Drug Testing

Disclosure: 

In this article, I will talk about various drug testing methods and devices. I am not working for, nor receive compensation, from any drug testing device company. I am merely going to talk about my experience with these devices, which includes hands on operation of all devices and test kits mentioned. 

In the realm of law enforcement, the ability to quickly and accurately identify illicit drugs is paramount. Law enforcement officers across the country rely on field tests to make preliminary identifications of suspected drugs to establish probable cause and create leads. However, the traditional presumptive tests, often reagent-based, have been a subject of controversy due to their potential for false negatives. Reagent based tests also expose the investigating officer, unnecessarily, to dangerous drugs and  chemicals. 

In this article, I’ll talk about these reagent based tests as well as alternatives that include in field mass spectrometry and other field rated drug analyses devices for cops to use on the street. These devices are more accurate and hold up better to courtroom arguments.