Adopt resolution granting the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney authority to accept, on behalf of Yolo County, $51,966 in grant funds awarded by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science improvement Program and adopt budget resolution increasing the Yolo County District Attorney's 2023-24 budget by $12,400. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Reisig/Abaurrea)

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.

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.

We were first awarded the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program grant in April 2021.  We are now in our fourth award cycle with a grant period of 4/1/24-6/30/25. During fiscal year 2023-24, this unit has become accredited. Grant funds will be used to continue the management of digital evidence coming through this unit, remaining aligned with accreditation, and purchase an A/C unit for the evidence room. 

Currently, the evidence room's temperature is in excess of what is acceptable for the unit to remain accredited. The cost of an A/C unit continues to increase with each quote we receive, making it necessary to increase the District Attorney's budget in FY2023-24 by $12,400 to purchase this item.

The High-Tech Crimes 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.

The High-Tech Crimes unit collaborated with GSD on the A/C unit.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the board and budget resolutions.

General Services received 3 quotes