Agenda

Return

C. 53

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Date:	July 12, 2022

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 07/12/2022

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:

Chrystine Robbins, 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: July 12, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2022/248 authorizing the Sheriff-Coroner, Undersheriff, or Commander Management Services, to apply for and accept the U.S. Department of Justice Programs, DNA Program Backlog Reduction Grant in an initial amount of $347,033 to reduce the number of backlogged DNA tests in the Sheriff's Criminalistics Laboratory for the period of October 1, 2022, through the end of the grant period.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No County costs. Initial revenue: $347,033, 100% Federal revenue, no County match required.

BACKGROUND:

The Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division operates an ANSI National Accredited Crime Laboratory to provide County-wide Forensic DNA testing services. The DNA 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 supported DNA analyst positions whom process DNA samples collected at crime scenes to aid in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for 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:

None.