Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: 4/5ths__
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Recognizing Unanticipated Revenue from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of the FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant sub-awarded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for distribution to the County of San Mateo for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not-to-exceed $58,900; and
B) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $58,900 to establish a budget appropriation and record revenue for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant.
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BACKGROUND:
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program grant, sub-awarded through California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (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 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program grant in the amount of $58,900, for a term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (“Grant”).
Funding from the Grant will assist with overall turnaround time for the testing of controlled substances, toxicology, latent prints, and firearms; increase the throughput of the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory; and reduce existing controlled substances, toxicology, 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, toxicology, controlled substances, and crime scene investigation and will assist to procure needed equipment.
The Grant award will be applied toward travel and training expenses for 11 analysts, purchase of equipment for two latent print capture stations, purchase of laptops, purchase of 10 Draeger organizers, purchase of two quiet covers for the GC-MS instruments, and to partially fund the purchase of four fume hoods.
The State requires a resolution from the Board authorizing certain designated authorized agents to enter into a standard Grant agreement, including any extensions or amendments, before the applicable Grant performance period. The designated Authorized Agents for the Grant are the Sheriff of the County of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Forensic Laboratory Director, and the Sheriff’s Office Management Analyst assigned to Contracts and Grants.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This Grant will positively impact all justice impacted individuals in the County by helping to fund forensic testing services by adequately trained analysts. There are no anticipated negative impacts to any individuals, groups, or neighborhoods. The Forensic Laboratory adheres to a strict ethical and professional code of conduct that is centered on independent, impartial, detached, and objective examinations with conclusions that are based on the evidence and reference material relevant to the evidence, not on extraneous information or outside influences which includes race, gender, and social demographics.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Appropriation Transfer Request accepts unanticipated revenue of $58,900 from Cal OES. There is no Net County Cost.