DATE: March 28, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Retroactive 2022 DNA Backlog Reduction Grant Application Acceptance and Agreement
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Retroactively approve and authorize the Sheriff's previous submittal of an online grant application on behalf of the County of Fresno to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for the 2022 Forensic DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program Grant ($357,528);
2. Approve, ratify and authorize the Sheriff's, or his designee's, execution of retroactive Grant Award Agreement (Number 15PBJA-22-GG-01610-DNAX), in the Justice Grants System, which requires compliance with assurances and certifications that relate to conduct during the performance of the award/agreement on behalf of the County of Fresno to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the 2022 Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Grant, effective October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 in the amount of $357,528;
3. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2022-23 appropriations and estimated revenues for Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator's Org 3111 in the amount of $144,038 (4/5 vote); and
4. Authorize the Sheriff, or his designee, to sign and submit claims for reimbursement, activity reports, notices, extend the grant ending date to expend allocated funding, and other related documents consistent with the grant award.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. Divisions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have awarded this grant to assist local forensic laboratories that conduct DNA analysis with reducing casework backlog. This grant continuation will fund the purchase and replacement of laboratory equipment, laboratory staff forensic training, DNA case analysis, and a dedicated Criminalist position to assist the Sheriff's Forensic Laboratory in reducing this turnaround time....
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