June 27, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials announce that the National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded San Diego County Sheriff's Office with a 2025 Achievement Award in the area of Criminal Justice and Public Safety for our Sheriff's Contraband and Narcotics Interdiction Team (CNIT).

In response to a significant rise in overdoses among the incarcerated population, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office established the Contraband and Narcotics Interdiction Team to address vulnerabilities in our jail intake processes.

CNIT Deputies are specially trained in narcotics detection, contraband concealment, drug identification, and interview techniques.

This proactive effort has evolved into multiple teams across facilities, all working toward reducing drug-related incidents and preventing contraband from entering our jails.

Since 1970, NACo has been recognizing innovative, effective county government programs that support and enhance services for the people it serves.

Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff's Office