Discuss, consider and take appropriate action to transfer funding and convert position control number (PCN) 0537 Corrections Peace Officer from the Corrections Department to the Sheriff’s Department for the position of Deputy with a Detective stipend to work on the Overdose Investigation Team.

This request is being made as an exception to policy due to the urgent need to thwart increasing deaths related to the fentanyl epidemic, as well as the experience needed to investigate the cases to locate and prosecute those responsible for fentanyl poisonings – agencies from surrounding counties, with collaboration with state and federal partners are forming a task force to focus on this emergency. In order to facilitate this Overdose Investigation Taskforce, manpower is needed from all participants. Judge Gravell in collaboration with Sheriff Gleason have committed time, resources and expertise to accomplish this hefty initiative. The time is now, just over the recent weekend Travis County experienced 6 overdose deaths. The dealers responsible, are still out there supplying others with this poison. We cannot afford to lose another child or family member to this preventable crime.

A dedicated Overdose Investigation detective would respond to all overdose deaths and determine if there is possibly a fentanyl nexus. If so, working with state and federal partners investigate how the victim obtained the drugs and pursue finding the dealer(s) in an effort to minimize further detriment to our community. This involves obtaining blood samples from victims in the hospital pursuing warrants, interviews, etc. All investigative skills are required for this position.