Police Department
www.santa-ana.org/pd
Item # 15
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 7, 2026
TOPIC: Forensic Imaging System for the Santa Ana Police Department
AGENDA TITLE
Purchase Order to Foster + Freeman for DISCOVER Imaging System with Included Crime-lite AUTO Kit and Accessories (Specification No. 26-038) (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize a Purchase Order to Foster + Freeman for DISCOVER imaging system with included Crime-lite AUTO Kit and accessories in an amount not to exceed $99,177.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
In November 2004, California voters passed Proposition 69, the DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime, and Innocence Protection Act of 2004, to expand and modify state law regarding the collection and use of criminal offender DNA samples and palm print impressions. Proposition 69 established a guaranteed funding source for costs associated with the collection, verification, and/or management of DNA evidence.
On November 12, 2024, the County of Orange Prop 69 Committee approved the allocation of 2024 DNA Identification Fund revenues and estimated funding totaling $747,000. The Committee voted to allocate $742,472 county-wide in one-time funding requests to enhance the DNA program for local law enforcing entities and County Departments. The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) was awarded $100,000 to purchase a complete DISCOVER Imaging System for the Department’s Forensic Services Division. The County Board of Supervisors approved the Prop 69 Committee’s recommendations at their January 28, 2025 meeting.
The DISCOVER system is a modular forensic imaging docking station designed to operate with the Crime-lite AUTO system previously acquired by SAPD. It enhances laboratory capabilities for latent fingerprint and DNA collection by improving the detection, imaging, and collection of print impression, trace, and DNA evidence.
Forensic Imaging System for the Santa Ana Police Department April 7, 2026
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The DISCOVER imaging system is a sophisticated forensic imaging and analysis modular docking system designed to assist with the examination of various types of evidence, particularly trace evidence. Utilizing an embedded Crime-lite AUTO, it specializes in the detection, documentation, and analysis of fingerprints, trace evidence, and biological samples. The enhanced detection and visualization of latent fingerprints or biological materials facilitated by the DISCOVER system supports improved identification of potential DNA sources. These advanced capabilities help ensure possible DNA, print impression, and trace evidence can be best preserved, documented, and collected by forensic staff.
The DISCOVER forensic imaging workstation combines specialty photography and light-based detection methods to facilitate the development and collection of vital print, DNA, and trace evidence. Use of this system would allow SAPD Forensic Specialists to examine possible evidence with fluorescence, infrared, and reflected longwave UV imaging, with included digital enhancement and image validation and audit trail capabilities. This innovative technology would allow the SAPD to leverage our current resources in a significantly more efficient process by reducing the time required for staff to process items and consolidating technical functions into one system, as opposed to using multiple varied computer and written log programs, as is the current workflow.
Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 2-807(a, e), authorizes the City to make non-bid purchases of services, supplies, materials, and equipment whenever it shall appear that there is only one reasonably available source. The DISCOVER imaging system, Crime- lite AUTO, and the accessories are manufactured and sold exclusively from Foster + Freeman. In 2023, the Department purchased three Crime-Lite AUTO camera kits from the same manufacturer with the Proposition 69 funds awarded by the County.
Purchasing the DISCOVER workstation from the same manufacturer to work in conjunction with existing equipment will enhance the Forensic Unit’s imaging abilities in the lab.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the FY 25-26 budget in the following account:
Fiscal
Year
Accounting Unit
– Account No.
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit –
Account No. Description Amount
FY 25-26 02414410-66400
Police
Activities &
Programs
Police Special
Revenue, Machinery &
Equipment
$99,177
Total $99,177
Forensic Imaging System for the Santa Ana Police Department April 7, 2026
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EXHIBIT(S)
N/A
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Police Chief
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager