TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents, including subsequent amendments, with the California Department of Justice to accept and expend grant funding up to $11,221, to supplement existing funds to process untested sexual assault evidence backlogs, from the Untested Sexual Assault Evidence Grant Backlog Reduction Program, for the grant period of July 21, 2021 to June 30, 2023; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department by $11,221, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was awarded the Untested Sexual Assault Evidence Grant Backlog Reduction Program grant from the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The purpose of the grant award is to supplement existing funds to process untested sexual assault evidence backlogs.
LBPD’s Sex Crimes Detail (Detail) in the Investigations Bureau’s Detective Division, performed a recent audit of Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) kits from 2009 to 2020 and found that 46 cases with forensic evidence may not have been processed. This prompted the Detail to want to perform an additional audit to review SART kits from 2000 to 2008 to ensure their processing as well. The Detail will be tasked with physically verifying that forensic evidence was processed and if not, determining if the case meets the criteria for examination based on statute, current laws, and the will of the reported victims.
The Detail will assign four Detectives, one Sergeant, and one Special Services Officer to audit, research, review and approve SART kits currently in inventory from 2000 to 2008, as well as the 46 SART kits identified in the previous audit from 2009 to 2020. One Property Clerk from the Evidence Control System will be assigned to transport the SART kits to and from the Los Angeles County Crime Laboratory. The grant award will be used to fund approximately 140 overtime hours to complete the project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on March 30, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on April 4, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 19, 2022, to execute an agreement and expedite use of grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding up to $11,221 for the grant period of July 21, 2021 to June 30, 2023 from the California Department of Justice. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $11,221 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match and will be fulfilled by $11,221 in budgeted employee in-kind labor hours. The grant match will be covered within the current appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Police Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
WALLY HEBEISH
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER