Agenda

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C. 40

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Date:	April 9, 2019

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2019 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/09/2019

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

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

Contact:

Sandra Brown 925-335-1553

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: April 9, 2019
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2019/110 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 $250,000 to reduce the number of backlogged DNA tests in the Sheriff's Criminalistics Laboratory for the period January 1, 2020 through the end of the grant period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No County costs. Initial revenue: $250,000, 100% Federal revenue, no County match required.

BACKGROUND:

The Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division operates an ISO 17025 Accredited Crime Laboratory able to provide County-wide Forensic DNA testing services. The DNA Backlog Reduction Program grant funds are needed to ensure the efficient processing of DNA evidence. 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 2019 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.