Agenda

Return

C. 45

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Date:	March 7, 2017

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 03/07/2017

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

ABSENT:

Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor

Contact:	Sandra Brown 925-335-1553
cc:	Sandra Brown Liz Arbuckle Tim Ewell

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: March 7, 2017
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No, 2017/61 authorizing the Sheriff-Coroner, or designee, to apply for and accept the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, DNA Program Backlog Reduction Grant in an initial amount of $177,300 to reduce the number of backlogged DNA tests in the Sheriff's Criminalistics Laboratory for the period January 1, 2018 through the end of the grant period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No County costs. Initial revenue: $177,300, 100% Federal revenue, no County match required. (CFDA #16.714)

BACKGROUND:

The Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division, has received DNA Backlog Reduction Program funds for many years. As a result, the Sheriff's Office has operated an ISO 17025 Accredited Crime Laboratory able to provide County-wide Forensic DNA testing services. Grant funds have been used in the past to purchase scientific equipment allowing for high throughput DNA extraction, quantification and detection. In addition, funding supported DNA analysts who process DNA samples collected at crime scenes to aid in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The 2017 DNA Backlog Reduction Program Grant will be used to support DNA analysts, acquire advanced technology, and provide state-of the art forensic DNA testing to law enforcement agencies in the Contra Costa County.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

A decision not to pursue grant funding will increase the DNA case backlog, increase the turnaround time for DNA sample processing, and contribute to delays in criminal prosecutions.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

No impact.