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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program, Request for Authorization to Accept Grant Funds in the amount of $59,827 to be used for equipment and training for the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory.
1. Motion authorizing acceptance of the 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to accept the Grant.
2. Resolution to appropriate $59,827 in 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for July 9, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Glendale Police Department requests acceptance of $59,827 in grant funds from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for the grant period of April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, to be used for software licensing and training in the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory (VRCL).
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RECOMMENDATION
Accept the 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds in the amount of $59,827, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to implement the Grant, and adopt a resolution to appropriate the funds for software licensing and training.
ANALYSIS
Over the last twenty years law enforcement investigative techniques have evolved due to advances in technology. These advances have placed increased demands on a computer forensics laboratory to conduct examinations of evidence obtained from mobile devices to cloud data. As changes are rapidly occurring, it is incumbent upon laboratories to stay abreast of developments within the field of digital evidence examination to service the community with expedient examination of submitted evidence.
In applying for the grant, the Laboratory conducted a needs assessment and identified software and training required to fulfill the grant objectives of improved forensic testing services. Grant funds will be used to increase and upgrade digital evidence examination licenses, expand digital evidence examination capabilities, and provide training opportunities to examiners. Online, on-demand, and online instructor-led courses cover a range of topics using different software currently in use in the laboratory. From fundamentals to advanced offerings, the range of training opportunities will address varying experience levels within the Computer Forensics Unit to improve the overall quality and efficiency of digital examination services.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Grant funds will be used to improve the quality of forensic testing services provided to customer agencies and the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
The 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds in the amount of $59,827, which was not included as part of the FY2024-25 approved budget. Therefore, staff is requesting for an appropriation of $59,827 from grant revenue. The appropriation request is outlined below:
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account
String)
To (Account String) Funding Source
$59,827 GL: 31240-2610-
GPD-0020
PL: GPD01185AG
Police Fund –
Federal Funding
$6,795 GL: 44650-2610-
GPD-0020
PL: GPD01185AG
Police Fund –
Training
$53,032 GL: 44700-2610-
GPD-0020
Police Fund –
Computer Software
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PL: GPD01185AG
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is considered a ministerial activity and therefore, not subject to CEQA/NEPA review. There is no possibility that the acceptance of this award may have a significant effect on the environment. (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Deny the Police Department’s request. Expenses for software licensing and training would be absorbed by the Police Department budget.
Alternative 2: Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Manuel Cid, Police Chief
Prepared by:
Catherine Nguyen, Lab Director
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.