The Ashe County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has a staff of over 100 people, serving a population of over 27,000 individuals. Ashe County has limited resources, low wages, and rising living costs, which has been a critical stressor for individuals living under the poverty level. These circumstances have contributed to an increase in violent crimes and drug abuse.

The ACSO plans to implement narcotics detection devices to reduce narcotics trafficking in the area and prevent violence related to narcotics use, trade, and trafficking. The device will allow the ACSO to detect and analyze the narcotics trafficked to quickly identify the types of narcotics and minimize exposure for law enforcement. Through these efforts, the ACSO hopes to reduce violent crime and narcotics-related deaths in its community and increase related arrests and convictions.