Arizona Sheriff's Office Deploys SoRite Decontamination Products to Reduce Narcotics and Chemical Exposure Risks
What to Know
- SoRite DECON neutralizes narcotics residues like fentanyl and heroin in about 60 seconds, reducing exposure risks.
- Defense Cleanse helps decontaminate skin from chemical irritants such as tear gas and riot-control agents.
- The products are designed for quick, easy application on skin, equipment, and surfaces, improving response times.
YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona -- The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office in Arizona has deployed SoRite DECON and Defense Cleanse products across the agency as part of an effort to reduce risks associated with narcotics contamination and chemical-agent exposure during law enforcement operations.
According to the announcement, more than 200 sworn personnel will have access to the products as deputies respond to drug investigations, enforcement operations, jail-related incidents and tactical deployments.
The Sheriff's Office said SoRite DECON is designed to neutralize narcotics residue from fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, xylazine and other narcotics in approximately 60 seconds using a low-toxicity sodium chlorite formula. The ready-to-use product requires no mixing and is intended for use on skin, equipment and operational surfaces.
Defense Cleanse is designed to deactivate chemical irritants and remove contaminants from the skin following exposure to oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, CS tear gas and CN riot-control agents. The Sheriff's Office said the product will be available to patrol deputies, detention officers, SWAT personnel and Special Response Team members who may encounter chemical-agent exposure during critical incidents.
The agency expects DECON to play a significant role in operations conducted by the Sheriff's Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking Taskforce.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes said the decision to deploy both products was driven by the agency's goal of improving safety for deputies, detention personnel, suspects and members of the public who may be exposed to dangerous narcotics or chemical agents during law enforcement operations.
"Our responsibility is to safeguard everyone involved in an incident, including our personnel, the public, and the individuals we encounter during enforcement actions," Rhodes said. "Managing the risks associated with narcotics contamination and tear-gas exposure is an important part of that mission. We wanted solutions proven to be effective, dependable, practical, and easy to use. DECON and Defense Cleanse exceed these requirements and have rapidly become important components of our overall risk-mitigation strategy."
Autumn Ryan, founder and chief executive officer of SoRite Company, said law enforcement agencies continue to seek products that address hazards officers encounter during modern policing.
"Violent crime and the threats posed by narcotic contamination are not going away any time soon. The work performed by law enforcement officers is critical to public safety and they need access to solutions they can deploy with confidence to save lives in the field when seconds matter," Ryan said.
According to the company, Defense Cleanse was developed for law enforcement, corrections and security professionals who carry or deploy riot-control agents and is recommended by members of the National Tactical Officers Association.