EUNICE M. ULLOA KAREN C. COMSTOCK
Mayor CHRISTOPHER FLORES
MARC LUCIO
Council Members
CURTIS BURTON DR. LINDA REICH
Mayor Pro Tem City Manager
CITY of CHINO
April 20, 2026
The Honorable Nick Schultz
Chair, Assembly Public Safety Committee
California State Assembly
1020 N Street, Room 111
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SUPPORT - AB 1612 (Alanis)
Dear Chair Schultz,
On behalf of Chino Police Department, I am writing to express our support for AB 1612.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have seen a steady increase in the amount of narcotics booked into evidence, particularly fentanyl and other highly dangerous substances. At the same time, the options available to safely dispose of these materials have become increasingly limited. With the loss of in-state destruction capacity, agencies are now left to manage these substances for longer periods of time without a clear or consistent process for final disposal.
This has created real operational challenges. Extended storage of these materials raises safety concerns for staff and complicates evidence management. The absence of standardized procedures for handling and disposal heightens the potential for accidental exposure among officers and personnel responsible for managing these substances. These are not ideal conditions for handling these dangerous substances that require careful control.
AB 1612 offers a practical approach by creating a more structured process for transferring these materials to the Department of Justice for disposal. Establishing a statewide pathway would provide clarity for agencies and help reduce the uncertainty that currently exists.
From our perspective, this issue is not theoretical, it is something agencies are dealing with now. Immediate action this year is critical to address growing safety risks and ensure consistent, reliable handling across jurisdictions.
For these reasons, we respectfully support AB 1612 and ask for your consideration. 13220 Central Avenue. Chino. California 91710
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 667, Chino, California 91708-0667 (909) 334-3250 • (909) 334-3720 Fax
Web Site: www.cityofchino.org
Sincerely,
Kevin Mensen
Chief of Police
Chino Police Department
909 334 3000