TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations for the California Emergency Management Agency Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Program grant in the General Grants Fund (SR) and in the Police Department (PD) by $62,689. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach Police Department was recently awarded the FY10 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant for $62,689. The grant monies will be used for overtime to reduce backlog and to provide training to improve the skill level and efficiency of techniques used by the forensic staff, allowing them to improve the quality of forensic service. Funds will also be used to obtain contracted services to prepare the crime lab for transitioning from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) Legacy Program to the ASCLD/LAB International Program. The ASCLD/LAB accreditation maintains the quality of forensic crime laboratory services. The International Program is based upon international standards for testing and calibration, and supplemented by forensic specific requirements taken from the ASCLD/LAB Legacy program. The grant term is October 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson on March 22, 2011 and Budget Officer Victoria Bell, on March 24, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on April 19, 2011, to expedite use of the grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase of $62,689 for Coverdell 10 in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) and in the Police Department (PD) is included in the recommendation. The expense appropriation will be fully offset by grant revenues and the grants do not require matching funds. There is no impact to the General Fund and no local job impact associated with the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JIM McDONNELL
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER