Item 118/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Chief El-Farra
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Police
Date: 4/14/2026
Subject: Approval of an Agreement with the County Of Orange to provide forensic services for the Garden Grove Police Department. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
To secure City Council approval of an agreement with the County of Orange to provide forensic services for the Garden Grove Police Department.
BACKGROUND
Since 1996, the City of Garden Grove has contracted with the County of Orange for crime scene forensic services. The Orange County Crime Lab continues to be the only local forensic laboratory with the capabilities and infrastructure necessary to provide the full range of services required by the Department.
Historically, the Department has entered into five-year agreements with the County for these services. The current agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
During the current term, the Orange County Crime Lab has provided enhanced services and the following personnel:
Two (2) Lead Forensic Specialists
One (1) Forensic Scientist III
DISCUSSION
The proposed agreement with the County of Orange will c over the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.
As recommended by the Police Department, and pursuant to Garden Grove Municipal Code Section 2.50.060(d), competitive bidding is not required as the County of Orange remains the only provider capable of delivering comprehensive crime scene investigation and forensic services at the level required by the Department.
Item 118/2026
The new agreement will continue to provide enhanced forensic services and maintain the current staffing model:
Two (2) Lead Forensic Specialists
One (1) Forensic Scientist III
This staffing configuration has proven effective in improving scene management, prioritizing DNA casework, and aligning with Orange County Crime Lab standards and best practices.
DNA analysis continues to be a critical c omponent in solving crimes. The assignment of a dedicated Forensic Scientist to the Garden Grove Police Department has significantly improved turnaround times and efficiency in processing forensic evidence for the Detective Bureau.
The Department remains highly satisfied with the quality, professionalism, and level of service provided by the Orange County Crime Lab.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated cost of providing forensic services for F iscal Year 2026–2027 is $764,623 representing a $41,688 increase from the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 cost of $722,935.
Any cost adjustments are attributed to factors including salary and benefit increases, equipment and supply costs, and operational expenses associated with maintaining enhanced forensic services.
The County will reimburse the City for unused overtime, and all supplies and processing related to forensic services will be provided under the terms of the agreement.
Funding for forensic services is incl uded in the Police Department’s F iscal Year 2026-27 operating budget; there will be no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve the Agreement with the County of Orange to provide forensic services to the Police Department for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 in the amount of $764,623; Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, including minor modifications as appropriate; and
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute future amendments for the remainder terms of the five-year agreement, through June 30, 2031.
By: Kelly Huynh, Public Safety Fiscal Analyst
Item 118/2026
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. FY 2026-31 County of Orange Forensics Agreement