November 6, 2024 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that in July 2024, California sheriffs and probation departments replied to the Board of State and Community Corrections Bureaus (BSCC) request for information and as part of their request, our county replied with our numbers which are part of their survey. The results of the survey show that an opioid introduction in the correctional system was 47% delivered through the incarcerated persons incoming mail, 46% were introduced through new arrestees and less than 1% was introduced by an affiliated employee. It also showed a 99% successful intervention rate of unique incidents of opioid antagonist use.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department proactively combats the introduction of opioids in our correctional systems by in-person scanning and testing of incoming mail, utilizing narcotic K9 detection, random facility searches and the use of body scanners in the intake areas of the correctional facilities. We continue to examine other resources and tools that could further mitigate the introduction of illegal contraband into our jail facilities.

In the event of a suspected medical emergency related to an overdose, all our qualified medical health care providers are equipped with Narcan in both the Intravenous and Nasal forms. All our deputy sheriffs are also trained in administering Narcan and have the nasal form readily available in all housing units. From January 1, 2024, to date, our medical staff had to use Narcan 81 times, which resulted in saving countless lives. 

On Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is recognized as having made significant strides in improving conditions and fostering a safer, more humane environment in its facilities, with ongoing collaboration to ensure compliance with remaining provisions.

For detailed information and to obtain the data file please refer the survey's webpage at https://www.bscc.ca.gov/opioid-survey.

DATE/TIME: November 5, 2024

INCIDENT:  The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Proactively Combats Opioids in Correctional Facilities

Refer:  Public Affairs Division

Phone No. 909-387-3700

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department