Sheriff's office speaks about protecting deputies, public from exposure to opioids

The Harris County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies announced earlier in July that officers will no longer conduct "field tests" of suspected drugs due to the dangers of possible exposure to fentanyl and Carfentanil.

The sheriff's office held a news conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday about the actions planned to protect deputies and the public from exposure to opioids.

In effort to protect law enforcement officials, the department has purchased 264 nasal spray doses of the antidote Narcan to reverse the side of affects of opioid overdose.

The antidote is not only to be used to protect law enforcement officers, but also for the community.

Deputies have been trained to handle scenes that may involve the drugs with extra precaution. They are also trained and required to use protective gloves and masks at every scene.

The sheriff's office said there has only been one overdose in the Houston area.

Download the Click2Houston news app in your app store to stay up-to-date with the latest news while you're on the go.

Sign up for KPRC 2 newsletters to get breaking news, sports, entertainment, contests and more delivered straight to your email inbox.