Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Christina Corpus, Sheriff
Subject: FY 2023 Coverdell Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Sheriff or Sheriff’s designee to execute the FY 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant sub-awarded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for distribution to the County of San Mateo for the term of April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, in an amount not-to-exceed $70,965.
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BACKGROUND:
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program grant, sub-awarded through Cal OES, offers an opportunity for government entities with existing crime laboratories to obtain funding for improvements. This grant program assists with improving the quality and timeliness of forensic science services, reducing backlogs, and maintaining accreditation. These improvements are critical in reducing backlogs and helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of forensic technology.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office applied for and anticipates being awarded the 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program grant in the amount of $70,965 for a period commencing April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Funding will assist with overall turnaround time for the testing of controlled substances, latent prints, and firearms, increase the throughput of the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, and reduce existing controlled substances, latent print, and firearms casework backlogs. In addition, funding will assist to maintain continuing education of staff in the fields of latent print examination, firearms examination, and crime scene investigation and will assist to upgrade aging equipment.
The 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program award will be applied towards funding travel and training expenses, personnel expenses for overtime, and to purchase sixteen new laptops.
The State requires a resolution from this Board authorizing execution of the grant subaward, including any extensions or amendments thereof, before the applicable Grant Subaward performance period.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agreement accepts unanticipated revenue of $70,965 from Cal OES. The term of the grant is from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office will not begin expending these funds until July 1, 2024, and therefore will be included in the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost.