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| Use of Field Test Kits in Identifying Drugs |
| It is suggested that law enforcement officers
utilize field test
kits. It is important to know that field test kits are presumptive
only. For conclusive analysis, the substance must be sent to the State
Law Enforcement Division (SLED) lab or another approved laboratory for
testing by a chemist. Test kits may be included in the totality of
evidence available to an officer when establishing probable cause.
Because there are many different types of test kits available the user should read the directions and be familiar with use of the test kit. If a field test kit is used, make sure that its use and results are documented in official reports and warrants if applicable. With regards to pharmaceutical drugs, using the Physicians’ Desk Reference book, commonly called a PDR, can presumptively identify them. Local pharmacies, hospitals , and the Poison Control Center can also be used when attempting to identify a pharmaceutical drug. These sources of preliminary identification, however, do not replace chemist examination at an approved lab (SLED). For conclusive identification, all drugs, including pharmaceutical drugs, must be sent to SLED (or an approved alternative) for chemical tests. On the street the officer should apply the totality of the information and evidence available to him/her in determining what drug is present and the probable cause needed for an arrest. |
| Field Test Kits: place cursor over photo for details |
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