Butler County Commissioners ratified a $375,683 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime. The money will be used for five spectrometers to be shared by local law enforcement agencies for detecting chemical substances.

The hand-held spectrometers, according to Sheriff Mike Slupe, measures spectral chemical components including gasses, liquids and solids.

“This will help with police department’s investigations of criminal narcotic activities,” he said. “It can detect at trace levels and help prioritize investigative resources.”

The five spectrometers will be shared between departments within certain proximity in the four county corners, and Butler City and Butler Township will also share a device.

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