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Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Agreement with the City of Glendale (Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory) for Crime Laboratory Services to provide DNA Analysis and Other Forensic-Related Services for Criminal Investigations for a Term Ending on August 31, 2018 in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $75,000.00.
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Meeting Date: September 11, 2017
Contact Person/Dept: Assistant Police Chief Ron Iizuka/Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6396
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/07/17);
Department Approval: Chief Scott Bixby-Police Department (08/30/17)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an amendment to the existing agreement with the City of Glendale (Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory) for crime laboratory services to provide DNA analysis and other forensic-related services for criminal investigations for a term ending on August 31, 2018 in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000.00.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On August 10, 2015, the City Council approved an agreement with the City of Glendale (Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory) for crime laboratory services to provide DNA analysis and other forensic-related services for criminal investigations with a termination date of August 31, 2016 in an amount not-to-exceed $65,000.00. On July 11, 2016, the City Council approved an amendment to the agreement in an additional amount not-to-exceed $65,000.00 with a termination date of August 31, 2017. The Department is satisfied with the quality of work and turnaround times for DNA samples submitted.
The City of Glendale Crime Laboratory, also known as Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory, is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board for Forensic Science Testing. The crime laboratory is qualified in providing DNA analysis and other forensic related services for criminal investigations. The crime laboratory will perform biological evidence examinations; identification of body fluids, autosomal DNA analysis, criminal paternity DNA forensic testing and enter DNA profiles in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index Systems.
Turnaround time for DNA samples submitted for lab results is a critical component to the quick apprehension of dangerous criminals and prevention of additional crimes. Currently, turnaround times for DNA samples submitted to the County typically ranges from three to six months, this is for all crimes including homicide. The turnaround time for sexual assault samples submitted on a fast track through the State are returned in approximately two months. Contracting with the City of Glendale for crime laboratory services and having an assigned Forensics Analyst expedites DNA sample processing for criminal cases with an approximate one month turnaround time. Serious crimes are greatly impacted by faster results of DNA sampling especially those involving sexual assault, homicide, robbery and burglary by unknown suspects.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The City Council Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 includes $75,000 for the Agreement Amendment for Crime Laboratory Services (10140200.619800).
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve an amendment to the existing agreement with the City of Glendale (Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory) for crime laboratory services for a term ending August 31, 2018, in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000; 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.