TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents including any amendments, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, to receive the services of one full-time equivalent Senior DNA Criminalist to provide DNA Crime Lab Services, at an estimated first year cost of $218,836, with annual costs for subsequent periods adjusted and determined by the County Auditor-Controller, for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the Long Beach Police Department (Department) to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff’s Department), to receive the services of one full-time equivalent Senior DNA Criminalist, along with the requisite supplies and equipment to complete DNA cases. The services include, but are not limited to, courtroom testimony, reagent preparation, analyst proficiency testing, and other quality assurance measures.
The Department currently lacks a facility to conduct DNA testing in support of criminal investigations involving sexual assaults, homicides, etc. Beginning in 2006, the Department entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheriff’s Department for the services of a dedicated Senior DNA Criminalist whose sole function is the testing of DNA samples relevant to Department investigations. The continuation of these services will increase the likelihood of the identification of perpetrators and successful prosecutions.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on August 23, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on August 20, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 14, 2021, to avoid a lapse in services.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated cost of this agreement is $218,836 for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The total annual cost for subsequent periods will be adjusted and determined by the County Auditor-Controller to reflect the cost of services. Sufficient appropriation for these expenses exists in the General Grants Group in the Police Department, offset by grant revenues. Appropriation for subsequent years, offset by grant revenues, will be requested through the annual budget process as needed. 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.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER