October 1, 2024
Police Department
DATE: October 1, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
Three-year contract with Chaplin & Hill Investigative
Services LLC
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The estimated first year expenditure of $100,000 is included in the approved Police Department budget, and
future year expenses will be budgeted for appropriately – account string 01191021-400201.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
n/a
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
A contract services agreement with an outside third-party firm, Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC, is needed to investigate administrative investigations into police misconduct, to include high profile use of force incidents, for the Richmond Police Department.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a three-year contract with Chaplin & Hill
Investigative Services LLC, for third-party administrative investigative services in an amount not to exceed
$300,000, for a term beginning October 2, 2024, and
expiring on October 1, 2027 – Police Department (Chief
Bisa French 510-621-1802).
DISCUSSION:
On May 24, 2024, in accordance with the Purchasing Policy, the Police Department issued a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit bids to provide police investigative AGENDA
REPORT
October 1, 2024
services with a deadline for submitted of June 28, 2024. 843 vendors were notified, and three submitted proposals.
Following the City of Richmond’s purchasing policy, a selection committee composed of Police Department staff reviewed all submitted proposals and rated each vendor based on background and experience, cost, and scope of services. MCR Investigations and Consulting has less experience with departments in Contra Costa County, and scored 165 points out of a possible 200 points. Oppenheimer was the most expensive of the three and scored 140 points out of a possible 200 points. Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services received 190 points, out of a possible 200 points. Based on the review of background and experience, cost, and scope of services, Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services was determined to be the most qualified to perform the services requested.
The Police Department is requesting a three-year contract agreement with Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC, to provide investigative services for administrative investigations into police misconduct and use of force cases. Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC has investigators that are trusted subject matter experts and former Chiefs of Police with 55 years of combined experience from local police agencies.
Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services possess a deep understanding of the Peace Officers Bill of Rights and the requirements of an administrative investigation. Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC possess the necessary expertise, experience, and credibility to produce a work product with usable findings related to the Richmond Police Department’s (RPD) policies and procedures.
Investigators at Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC understand the nuances of the Peace Officers Bill of Rights, particularly as it pertains to Police Officer Association Elected Board members. They stand alone in possessing the necessary expertise, experience, and credibility to produce a work product with usable findings related to RPD policies. This will enable an expedited review process, allowing RPD to take immediate action if necessary within the 4-week time frame required to meet employment law obligations. Failure to complete these types of investigations promptly could result in the inability of RPD taking immediate action that could result in significant loss of an employee’s liberty.
Police Department staff is requesting that the City enter into a standard three-year contract with Chaplin & Hill Investigative Services LLC, for a total contract amount of $300,000, for a contract term of October 2, 2024, to October 1, 2027.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – RFP
Attachment 2 – Bid Summary
Attachment 3 – Chaplin & Hill Proposal
Attachment 4 – Standard Contract