Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Robert Foucrault, Coroner
Subject: Resolutions Accepting a Grant from the National Institute of Justice in the Amount of $164,564 for Implementation of Medical Examiner - Coroner Office Accreditation Program, and Authorizing Appropriation Transfer Request of Grant Funds
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt resolutions:
A) Accepting a grant from the National Institute of Justice in the amount of $164,564 for the implementation of the Medical Examiner-Coroner Office accreditation program during the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019; and
B) Authorizing an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing unanticipated grant funds in the amount of $164,564 from the National Institute of Justice to the Coroner's Office for the implementation of the Medical Examiner-Coroner Office Accreditation Program.
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BACKGROUND:
The Medical Examiner-Coroner system in the United States struggles with inconsistent death investigation practices, system variability, shortages of qualified staff performing investigations and related duties, and available funding to support the system. These systemic issues potentially impact the criminal justice system by compromising the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of criminal behavior associated with deaths resulting from homicide, traffic collisions, drugs and alcohol, negligent behavior, suicide, etc.
As a result, the National Commission on Forensic Science has recommended that, by 2020, all Medical Examiner-Coroner offices be accredited according to a national or international standard. Such accreditation provides quality assurance through the development and standardization of industry best practices related to staffing, equipment, training, facilities maintenance, and forensic specialties.
The San Mateo County Coroner's Office is currently seeking accreditation through the International Association o...
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