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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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DATE:
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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August 15, 2006
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Don Horsley, Sheriff
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SUBJECT:
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Service Agreement with the City of Vallejo for provision of forensic services provided by the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute a service agreement with the City of Vallejo for provision of forensic services provided by the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, for a three (3) year term expiring June 30, 2009 and a reimbursement amount not to exceed $450,000.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.
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Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.
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This Agreement contributes to the enhancement of public safety by providing specialized investigative and scientific analytical services, which results in professional conclusions and expert testimony to support the investigation and adjudication of alleged criminal activity.
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PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
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Measure
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FY 2005-06
Actual
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FY 2006-07 Projected
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Number of major cases received
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1,000
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1,000
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Major cases:
§ Average turnaround time (in days)
§ Percent completed in less than 30 days
§ Percent completed in less than 60 days
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60
15%
65%
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60
15%
70%
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BACKGROUND:
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In January 2004, the Laboratory became “Fee-for-Service” to offset the debt service accrued by the construction of the new facility. To arrive at an equitable fee schedule the Laboratory staff along with Sheriff’s Office Senior Management and representative Police Chiefs and City Managers worked collaboratively to set both flat rate and billable fees. An Executive Steering Committee was also established to aid in resolving issues that could arise from this new environment.
The change in the Laboratory’s business practices required the cost of services and expertise to be evaluated. In doing so the Laboratory began to focus on what services were done well, and what would be expected of the Laboratory in the future.
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DISCUSSION:
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The Chief of Police for the City of Vallejo contacted the Laboratory late last year inquiring on the Lab’s ability to conduct forensic laboratory work for the City. Upon examination of the Chief’s request, it was determined that the Laboratory can manage the extra case load with one additional staff member. The additional staff position would be fully supported with the contract with the City of Vallejo, and provide the agencies in San Mateo County an additional 960 hours of service at no additional cost. In addition, the contract will increase the Laboratory’s Federal Grant funds, by increasing the service population area by an additional 100,000 people. The population of the area served is one of the key factors used by the State in the distribution of DNA enhancement and backlog funds. The Laboratory will also be in a better position to receive earmarked funds, working as a regional laboratory.
The Sheriff’s Office has met with the Laboratory Executive Advisory Board and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, both of which are in agreement with the contract.
If approved, San Mateo County will be one of four laboratories providing service to Vallejo. Drug and alcohol cases, which account for the largest percentage of work coming to the Laboratory, will be handled by Contra Costa County. The proposed contract calls for the Laboratory to respond to incidents in which officers are killed in the line of duty. Evidence technicians will also respond to call-outs for homicides if the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Contra Costa County are unable to respond.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Agreement as to legal form.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
A budget change reflecting revenue from this Agreement, and adding one (1) position of Criminalist at the San Mateo County Forensic Laboratory for performance of the additional work, was anticipated and already submitted and included in the Recommended FY 2006-07 Budget. This Agreement sets that budget decision into action. Therefore, there is no additional fiscal impact on the County General Fund as a result of approving this Agreement.
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