COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DATE:

March 20, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 29, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Four-fifths vote

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley

SUBJECT:

CAL-ID JPA Position & Funding

RECOMMENDATION:

1)

Adopt an ordinance amending the salary ordinance adding one Forensic Specialist position (H112S) in the Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory; and

2)

Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) moving CAL-ID funds into Salary and Benefit Accounts for the positions.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

This item is aligned with Vision 2010 to ensure basic health and safety for all through goal number 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors, as well as the commitment of responsive, effective and collaborative government in goals number 20 and 22: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain; and, County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

BACKGROUND:

In its Fall/Winter meeting in November 2004, the CAL-ID Program Random Access Network (RAN) Board approved the addition of one Forensic Specialist position to be stationed at the Forensic Laboratory, in order to address the current backlog of latent print analysis and identification. Forensic Specialists evaluate, clarify, and whenever possible, identify latent fingerprints from crime scenes, using the state and national fingerprint databases known as “AFIS” (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).

The County currently has four fulltime Forensic Specialist positions and one lead position at the Lab, which means each Specialist handles up to five police departments’ latent print analysis work. The lead position provides case review, writes and reviews reports, and handles complex cases such as homicides and other major crimes. The addition of a fifth Forensic Specialist will allow each existing position to now handle four agencies, a 20% reduction, which will in turn reduce the current backlog and time delay in processing latent print identification.

DISCUSSION:

Over the past several months, the Laboratory has been working with Employee and Public Services to update the job description; identify new applicant markets; recruit and test for this specialized position, and has identified several potential candidates. This ATR and Salary Ordinance will now allow the position to be hired and filled.

There is a backlog of approximately 300 cases which can be largely reduced over the next year, by the addition of this position. The Laboratory Director will be reporting back to the CAL-ID Board next year on the backlog reduction issue and the impact of this position.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Approving the ATR will have no net fiscal impact to the County General Fund. The salary and benefits for this position are fully funded from the Countywide CAL-ID Fund. CAL-ID funds will continue to finance the position in future years, and will be reflected in the Sheriff’s FY 2005-06 proposed budget.

The recommended salary ordinance amendment has been reviewed by Employee and Public Services.