HOLLYWOOD HILLS—May 18,2020 The Los Angeles Police department is asking city officials to purchase Coronavirus test kits that offer rapid result, despite being unsure as to whether these type of tests will produce accurate results.

In an article from the Associated Press it has been stated that, “More than 350 inmates in Los Angeles County jails have tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 100 LAPD officers and staff have been infected.”

Rapid Testing kits that provide results within 45 minutes have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Abbott Laboratories announced that their ‘ID NOW’ device can produce false negatives if a special solution is used to move or store patients’ samples.

Regardless of these stipulations, LAPD feels that it is crucial for them to receive testing kits so that they are able to test those who are arrested right away, rather than having to wait days after a person has been detained to get results.

Although some tests may produce a false negative, a statement from Abbott said that “no test is perfect” but that ID Now “has been delivering reliable results when and where they’re needed” and remains an “important tool” in the nation’s testing arsenal.”

Other correction facilities throughout Southern California have seen an increase of positive Coronavirus cases as well. In an April article from KQED San Fransisco 88.5 FM, it was reported,

“The California Institution for Men in San Bernardino county housed the largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 64 inmates testing positive. Over 1,200 inmates at the prison are in quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, according to a status report filed in federal court.”

In an interview with Los Angeles Times, Alex Comisar, spokesman for Mayor Eric Garcetti, said only that Garcetti “is committed to expanding testing in any way we can, especially among vulnerable populations,” and that his administration “will continue looking into this and other testing options as we continue our fight against the spread of COVID-19.”

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore told the Police Commission, “the national supply of rapid-result testing machines is being controlled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is doling them out under a process that prioritizes hospitals over police departments.”

FEMA’s Administrator, Peter Gaynor, has denied claims that FEMA has seized PPE and testing kits that were on their way to local governments.