Schumer backs funding for device that helps police officers detect fentanyl, other lethal drugs

DEWITT, N.Y. — Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer was in DeWitt this afternoon to announce that he is backing a bill that helps police departments purchase high-tech screening tools that detect lethal drugs, such as fentanyl.

Schumer said the opioid crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, especially in Onondaga County, which experienced more 200 deaths from overdoses linked to heroin combined with fentanyl since 2016.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. It is a dangerous drug that when touched or inhaled can cause a deadly reaction, Schumer said.

Schumer, surrounded by Central New York law enforcement officers, said he is backing the Providing Officers with Electronic Resources Act, which is known as the “POWER Act,” to help police departments purchase these high-tech, handheld screening devices. The portable chemical screening devices, also known as interdiction devices, can detect a drug in an area before an officers sees or touches it, which will minimizes the risk of dangerous exposure.

According to Schumer, the bipartisan bill, creates a new grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice that will help law enforcement agencies purchase the devices, which are between $30,000 and $80,000 each. Under the POWER Act, grants will cover 80 to 90 percent of the costs, Schumer said.

DeWitt Police Chief John Anton said the DeWitt Police Department was called to 52 overdose calls in 2018.

“Our officers are in danger,” Anton said, who hopes to receive funding to purchase one device for the town department. “These devices will help to keep officers and the public safe.”