RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution 2017/39 authorizing the Sheriff-Coroner, or designee, to apply for and accept the 2016 Paul Coverdell Forensic Services Improvement Grant, with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, as fiscal agent, in an initial amount of $28,145 for support of forensic training for the period beginning October 1, 2016 through the end of the grant period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

$28,145, 100% Federal; No County match required (CFDA #16.742)

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Services Improvement Grant Program is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science services over current operations. The non-competitive funds are available for distribution during the period beginning October 1, 2016, through the end of the grant period. The Office of the Sheriff's Forensic Services Division is an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) accredited laboratory that has on-going training requirements to fulfill the accreditation criteria. Training also increases staff's ability to produce casework and add new technology geared towards improving efficiency of examination and analysis. This grant proves funding for the forensic staff to attend a variety of work-related training courses throughout the year.