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Consent-Law & Justice Services    # 22.
Board of Supervisors
District Attorney
Meeting Date:
01/28/2025
Brief Title
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program Grant - California Office of Emergency Services
From:
Jeff Reisig, District Attorney, District Attorney's Office
Staff Contact:
Nikki Abaurrea, Chief Fiscal Admin Officer, District Attorney's Office, x4505
Supervisorial District Impact:
Countywide

Subject

Adopt resolution granting the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney authority to apply for, on behalf of Yolo County, $51,136 in grant funding from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services to fund the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant. (No general fund impact) (Reisig)

Recommended Action

  1. Adopt resolution granting the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney authority to apply for, on behalf of Yolo County, $51,136 in grant funding from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; and
     
  2. Authorize the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney to execute the grant award agreement including any and all amendments or extension.

Strategic Plan Goal(s)

Thriving Residents
Collaborative Community

Reason for Recommended Action/Background

In 2010, the Yolo County District Attorney created the High-Tech Crimes unit. This unit was formed to manage the increasing amount of digital evidence in criminal cases.

In April 2021, we applied for and received the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant. The District Attorney's office is in the process of applying for this grant, which is due 2/3/25. The grant period is 4/1/25 - 3/31/26. This is a non-competitive grant application and is the 5th year of the 5-year grant cycle.

The personnel in this unit are highly trained forensic examiners that extract evidence from cell phones, computers, game consoles, etc. and are able to testify in cases ranging from homicide, larceny, and child molestation.

These grant funds are used to maintain an expert to assist the unit in remaining accredited. It funds the necessary equipment required to extract data from electronic devices, and training.

Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)

The High-Tech unit collaborates with all local law enforcement agencies within Yolo County as well as with Yolo County Probation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Parole.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the board resolution.

Fiscal Impact

Fiscal impact (see budgetary detail below)

Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)

Total cost of recommended action:
$    51,136
Amount budgeted for expenditure:
$    51,136
Additional expenditure authority needed:
$    0
One-time commitment:
Yes

Source of Funds for this Expenditure

General Fund
$0
Federal Grant Funds
$51,136

Further explanation as needed:

This grant crosses over into different fiscal years (24/25-25/26) as the grant period is 4/1/25-3/31/26. Funding was included in the FY24/25 Adopted Budget and will be included in the FY25/26 Budget to be approved by the Board of Supervisors at Recommended and Adopted.

Attachments

Form Review

Inbox Reviewed By Date
Financial Services Laura Liddicoet 01/14/2025 12:57 PM
County Counsel Hope Welton 01/14/2025 05:06 PM
Berenice Espitia Berenice Espitia 01/22/2025 02:18 PM
Form Started By:
Nikki Abaurrea
Started On:
01/08/2025 04:14 PM
Final Approval Date:
01/22/2025