Adopt budget resolution using Management 2021/22 expenditure savings for the purchase of a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) Machine and High Resolution Thermal Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) in the amount of $52,814 and approve the amendment to the 2021-22 Authorized Equipment List for the purchase of the CVSA Machine. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Lopez/Johnson)

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office conducts rigorous background investigations for all individuals seeking employment with the office. As part of these investigations, potential candidates for Deputy Sheriff and Correctional Officer undergo a voice stress analysis test for truth verification and credibility assessment. This test is administered by the Detectives Section.  The CVSA machine measures stress levels in response to questions as a means of determining if someone is being deceptive by focusing on the instantaneous stress evident in FM frequencies in the voice. CVSA Examiners are trained to prepare applicants to take the voice stress analysis test, which helps build rapport, relax the interview subject, and makes it easier for examiners to focus on stress directly related to the questions. This provides more trustworthy results with no inconclusive or false readings. The CVSA is scientifically proven through lab and field-testing to have a greater than 98% accuracy rating, making it the ideal verification tool for the pre-employment vetting process.

The Sheriff’s Office currently utilizes one CVSA to perform these tests. However, Management has identified an immediate need for the purchase of an additional machine, so they can allocate more staff hours to clearing the background investigations that are currently queued. The Sheriff’s Office has been aggressively recruiting to fill vacant positions but is discovering that there is too much lag time between the initial interview process and background investigation. While candidates are waiting for their background, they often accept employment with another department, causing the Sheriff’s Office to miss out on a potential new hire and lose the time already invested in the candidate. The purchase of another CVSA will allow them to have more equipment and trained employees to conduct the voice stress analysis, process background investigations in an expedited manner, and possibly allow for the administering of the test to other classifications of potential employees. 
 
The cost of the CVSA Machine is $10,852 and will be purchased using expenditure savings. Because this item is a fixed asset, the Sheriff's Office is also requesting Board authority to amend the 2021-22 Authorized Equipment List.
 
On March 8, 2022, the Department of Financial Services presented the Mid-Year Budget Monitor Report to the Board of Supervisors. In this report, the Sheriff’s Office was approved for the purchase of a High-Resolution, Thermal Drone and the item was added to the Authorized Equipment List. This item was originally planned to be purchased out of the FY 2021-22 Patrol expenditure savings. However, after further analysis the Sheriff’s Office is requesting to purchase the drone with FY 2021-22 Management expenditure savings. The cost of the already approved equipment is $52,814.

County Counsel has approved the attached resolution as to form.  Purchasing will assist with the procurement of the fixed assets.

A three bid process will be used to purchase any fixed asset items, excluding items that have pricing or service based on an existing Master Contract.