P.O. Box 3369
Anaheim, CA
92803-3369
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2022
FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH FORENSIC NURSE SPECIALISTS, INC.
FOR EVIDENCE COLLECTION
ATTACHMENT: YES ITEM # 12
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve an Agreement with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc., for evidence collection services for sexual assault victims, in an amount not-to-exceed $275,000 for a one year term with two one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Chief of Police, or his designee, to administer the agreement on behalf of the City, and execute any amendments under the terms and conditions of the agreement.
DISCUSSION:
During the course of certain investigations, the Anaheim Police Department requires physical examinations of sexual assault victims in order to collect evidence for possible prosecution of a suspect. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 13823.95, the costs incurred by a medical facility for purposes of gathering evidence for possible prosecution shall be charged to the local governmental agency in whose jurisdiction the alleged offense was committed. The Penal Code also directs the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to reimburse law enforcement agencies up to $1,127 per examination to offset the costs of conducting the exams. The Police Department requests reimbursement on a monthly basis in order to recover costs in a timely manner.
Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc. (FNS) conducts forensic medical exams of sexual assault victims for the Anaheim Police Department at a mutually agreed upon location.
Forensic nurses, who are trained in the California State Protocols established by CALOES (California Offices of Emergency Services), collect evidence during these exams that are critical to the successful prosecution of these violent crimes. FNS collects, packages, seals, and labels evidence in accordance with state and local crime lab requirements. They provide court testimony related to the collection of evidence and chain of custody as needed. In prior years, Anaheim Global facilitated these services, which are now offered exclusively through Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc. If the services do not meet the City’s needs, the agreement can be terminated with a 30-day written notice.
Agreement with Forensic Nurse Specialists, Inc. for Evidence Collection October 25, 2022
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the Police Department’s FY 2022/23 General Fund budget. Funding for subsequent years will be subject to Council’s approval of budget appropriations.
Respectfully submitted,
Jorge Cisneros
Chief of Police
Attachment:
1. Agreement