Agenda

Return

C. 66

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Date:	April 4, 2023

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/04/2023

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

ABSENT:

Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Abigail Balana, 925-655-0008

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 4, 2023
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2023/107 authorizing the Sheriff-Coroner, Undersheriff, or Chief of Management Services, to apply for and accept the U.S. Department of Justice Programs, DNA Program Backlog Reduction Grant in an initial amount of $251,941 to reduce the number of backlogged DNA tests in the Sheriff's Criminalistics Laboratory for the period of October 1, 2023 through the end of the grant period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No County costs. Initial revenue: $251,941, 100% Federal revenue, no County match required.

BACKGROUND:

The Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division operates an ANAB Accredited Crime Laboratory to provide County-wide Forensic DNA testing services. The DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction 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 supports DNA analysts who process DNA samples collected at crime scenes to aid in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The 2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program Grant will be used to support DNA analysts, acquire advanced technology, consumables 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.