SR - AGR-6447 - FORENSIC SPECIALIST SERVICES 2017-191. SUBJECT
Approve the Consultant Services Agreement with the County of Orange for full -time services of
a Forensic Specialist for the Police Department through June 30, 2017.
1 2. SUMMARY
The Police Department's Forensic Services Specialist position has remained vacant due to lack of
qualified candidates. The vacancy has resulted in a backlog of fingerprints, hampering the ability
to efficiently investigate and prevent crimes. This Agreement authorizes the services of a
dedicated Forensic Specialist to conduct fingerprint examinations in an amount not to exceed
$42,179 through June 30, 2017.
3. RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the Agreement between the County of Orange and the City of Orange in an amount
not to exceed $42,179 through June 30, 2017; and
2. Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available to cover the cost of forensic services as follows:
100.4034.51670.00000 Other Professional and Consulting Services $42,179
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S)
Ia. Provide for a Safe Community Provide staffing and resources to deliver services that ensure
public safety.
ITEM 3•� 1 2/14/17
6. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Public Safety Goal 6.0 Provide public safety services of the highest quality.
Policy 6.1: Provide the Police Department with adequate personnel, equipment and state- of -the-
art technology to effectively combat crime, meet existing and projected service demands, and
provide crime prevention programs. These resources should be provided prior to anticipated
needs.
7. DISCUSSION and BACKGROUND
The Police Department's Forensic Services Specialist position has remained vacant due to lack of
qualified candidates. This position provides vital services to the department and requires a unique
skill set and qualifications not easily attained. The department has relied on the assistance of the
Sheriff's Department; however, there is often a delay in processing evidence resulting in a four -
month backlog of fingerprint analysis. By contracting for a dedicated examiner, the department's
fingerprint submissions will be examined and processed in a week or less, allowing us to identify
criminals quickly and prevent additional crimes.
The Police Department is requesting to enter into an Agreement with the County of Orange,
Sheriff- Coroner to provide one, full -time Forensic Specialist (Latent Print Examiner). This will
be a dedicated position, assigned to the Orange Police Department's casework to conduct
fingerprint examinations at the Sheriff's Department. OCSD will provide all staffing, supervision,
management, training, supplies and equipment necessary to deliver services required by the
Orange Police Department. Funding for the fingerprint examiner will come from an existing,
vacant, non -sworn position - Forensic Services Specialist.
The terms of the agreement with the County shall commence on February 28, 2017 and terminate
on June 30, 2019. The Police Department recommends approval of the Agreement with the County
for an amount not to exceed $42,179 through June 30, 2017. The Agreement also includes an
option for the City Manager, at the recommendation of the Chief of Police, to extend the agreement
for two addition terms, through fiscal year 2018 -2019. Approval to fund the remaining two terms
will be included as a budget decision package beginning in fiscal year 2017 -2018.
8. ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement between the City of Orange and County of Orange
ITEM 2 2/14/17