DATE: January 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding Between Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians of California and Sheriff’s Office for participation in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Grant Program with the California Board of State and Community Corrections
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians of California for participation in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Grant Program with the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) to provide essential law enforcement collaboration and investigation support, effective from January 6, 2026, through September 30, 2028 ($100,000);
2. Retroactively authorize execution by Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator or their designee of Key Partner Commitment form required by the BSCC as part of the Request for Proposal for the MMIP Grant; and
3. Authorize the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator or their designee to sign any required documents related to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Grant Program at any time during the term of the recommended agreement.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the first recommended action will ratify the partnership with Big Sandy Rancheria for the participation in the MMIP grant program with the BSCC. The Sheriff’s Office will provide essential law enforcement collaboration and investigation support. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(s):
There is no viable alternative action. Should your Board choose not to approve the recommended actions, the Sheriff’s office will not be able to assist Big Sandy Rancheria with investigative and law enforcement support to resolve missing or murder cases.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Big Sandy Rancheria agrees to reimburse the Sheriff’s Office up to $100,000 for providing the law enforcement services delineated in this MOU. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Sheriff’s Org 3111 FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and will be included in future budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
On April 2025, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) partnered with the Big Sandy Rancheria to pursue grant funding under the federal Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) program. This partnership was successful, resulting in a $1 million award, of which FCSO will receive approximately $100,000 to support its role in the initiative.
As part of the MMIP program, FCSO will provide investigative and law enforcement support to assist in identifying, publicizing, and resolving MMIP cases. This includes assigning experienced investigators to collaborate with tribal and allied agencies, participating in multi-jurisdictional case coordination, collecting historical case data, supporting culturally informed training and community outreach, and facilitating access to forensic and victim services. The partnership aims to strengthen culturally respectful and timely responses to MMIP cases impacting Indigenous communities within Fresno County.
The recommended agreement contains mutual indemnification and insurance clauses, which are common in the County’s agreements with other public agencies. However, the Sheriff’s Office believes that the benefits associated with entering into the recommended agreement outweighs any potential risks, as a prudent business decision.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - MOU between Big Sandy Rancheria and Sheriff’s Office
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai