DATE: December 9, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Lisa A. Smittcamp, District Attorney
John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Retroactive Electronic Suspected Child Abuse Report System Memorandum of Understanding and Operational Agreement
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the retroactive Electronic Suspected Child Abuse Report System (ESCARS) Memorandum of Understanding and Operational Agreement (MOU and OA) between the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Social Services, along with fourteen independent law enforcement agencies for the period December 14, 2024, to December 13, 2029; and
2. Waive the policy in the County Purchasing Manual that allows only the Board of Supervisors to approve agreements with other governmental entities and authorize the District Attorney or designee to add other law enforcement agencies during the term of the ESCARS MOU and OA, subject to approval as to legal form by County Counsel ($0).
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The purpose of this MOU and OA between County Departments/Offices and independent city law enforcement agencies, is to establish defined policies and procedures for all agencies participating with ESCARS. The first recommended action will allow for the continued implementation of the ESCARS database in Fresno County. The participating law enforcement agencies are: Clovis Police Department ("PD"), Coalinga PD, Firebaugh PD, Fowler PD, Fresno PD, Huron PD, Kerman PD, Kingsburg PD, Mendota PD, Orange Cove PD, Parlier PD, Reedley PD, Sanger PD, and Selma PD. The second recommended action will authorize the District Attorney to add additional law enforcement agencies if necessary. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended actions are not approved, the County will be out...
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