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Title:
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Authorization to File an Application for Funds Made Available Through the National Institute of Justice for the Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, FY 2015.
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City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the filing of an application with the
National Institute of Justice for the Coverdell National Forensic Science
Improvement Grants Program, FY 2015.
BACKGROUND:
The Coverdell Program awards grants to states and units of local government to
help improve the quality of forensic science services. Among other things, the funds
may be used for laboratory accreditation and certification of forensic unit staff. The
Culver City Police Department is eligible to receive $9,900.
DISCUSSION:
The Police Department and Forensic Unit have determined the funds will be used to
apply and prepare for laboratory accreditation by a reputable accrediting body such
as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation
Board (ASCLD/LAB), the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or the
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Funds would also be
used to cover crime scene certification for two Forensic Specialists currently in need,
and latent print certification for all three Forensic Specialists from the International
Association for Identification (IAI).
Laboratory accreditation is highly recommended by the International Association of
Chiefs of Police (IACP) for purposes of adjudicating criminal proceedings and is
likely to become mandatory for law enforcement agencies with forensic practitioners.
Meeting Date: 03/23/2015 Item Number: C-5
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Authorization to File an Application for Funds
Made Available Through the National Institute of Justice for the Coverdell
National Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, FY 2015
Contact Person/Dept.: Jeanine Plute,
Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6133
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [x] Date: _______________
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas – City Council (03/18/15)
Department Approval:
Scott Bixby (03/13/15)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (03/13/15)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (03/17/15)
City Manager Approval:
John M. Nachbar (03/18/15) City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Accreditation/certification also serves to eliminate substandard work that exposes
cities to potential litigation and is needed in order to ensure quality control standards
and performance standards as set forth by the accrediting body are followed. For
the aforementioned reasons, surrounding agencies such as the Los Angeles
Sheriff’s Department and the cities of Glendale and Los Angeles Police Departments
have already completed the accreditation process, while agencies including the
cities of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills are in the process.
The proposed grant monies will fund the costs of the accreditation application, latent
print certification, and crime scene certification. As with many grant opportunities,
Federal Agencies have been issuing very short timelines for grant submittals. In the
case of this grant, the deadline to submit the program narrative, scope of work and
budget narrative to the National Institute of Justice is April 6, 2015.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The project is completely funded by the grant. No matching funds are required from
the City.
Based upon preliminary estimates received from ASCLD/LAB, ANAB, and A2LA for
FY 2015-16, accreditation costs are estimated at $8,900. Based upon preliminary
estimates received from IAI for FY 2015-16 latent print certification costs and crime
scene certification costs are estimated at $1,000.
Total Accreditation and Certification Costs are estimated at $9,900. Upon receipt of
grant funds, the Police Department will adhere to the appropriate Purchasing
procedures to begin the application process.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the filing of an application with the National Institute of Justice,
Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program; and,
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.