Much discussion has been had lately regarding the dangers of fentanyl. Correctional officers have expressed fear of searching inmate housing units due to possible fentanyl contained in the cells. Although care should be taken whenever housing unit searches are performed, there is no legitimate reason for increased anxiety related to fentanyl during searches. Normal safety procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment provide adequate safety when incidental contact with fentanyl may occur during searches.
CDCR has experienced several fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths over the past few years. Although this drug is dangerous if ingested, a published paper in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Drug Policy concluded there are no confirmed touch-based cases of first responder fentanyl overdoses, even when naloxone was used to revive them. Additionally, the American College of Medical Toxicology and the International Journal of Drug Policy posted conclusions that incorrect and hyperbolic information about fentanyl caused first responders to exhibit panic attacks which were incorrectly attributed to fentanyl exposure.
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