These are portable diagnostic tools utilized by law enforcement personnel to presumptively identify controlled substances. They generally involve a chemical reagent that reacts with specific drug compounds, producing a color change indicative of the presence of the targeted substance. For example, a kit might be used during a traffic stop to provide an initial assessment of suspected narcotics.
The employment of such tools offers several advantages to law enforcement agencies. They facilitate rapid on-site drug identification, enabling immediate decisions regarding arrest and seizure. This expedites the investigative process and potentially reduces the need for extensive laboratory analysis in certain cases. Historically, reliance on laboratory analysis alone created bottlenecks; these tools allow for a quicker initial assessment.