TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Adam Jevec, Chief of Police
1. Subject
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Agreement with the County of Orange for a Lead Forensic Specialist during Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
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2. Summary
The proposed three-year agreement with the County of Orange will provide the continuation of services for a dedicated Lead Forensic Specialist to conduct fingerprint examinations in the amount of $212,476 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
3. Recommended Action
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Approve the agreement with the County of Orange in the amount of $212,476 for a Lead Forensic Specialist; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The total expenditure for this agreement is $212,476 and will be funded upon adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget through General Fund (100):
100.4034.51780.00000 Contractual Services
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
6. Discussion and Background
Prior to 2019, the Police Department held a fully funded Forensic Services Specialist position that remained vacant for many years due to lack of qualified candidates. The Forensic Services Specialist position provided vital services to the department and required a unique skill set and qualifications not easily attained. During this time, the department relied on the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) for many years; however, this process resulted in a delay in processing evidence that caused a backlog of fingerprint analysis.
In January 2017, the Police Department transitioned from a “first-come, first-serve” basis with the County to a contractual service agreement that assigned a dedicated fingerprint examiner to Orange Police Department (OPD) casework. The department mitigated the cost of services by holding the department’s Forensic Services Specialist position vacant, and ultimately eliminated the position in July 2019.
The term of this agreement spans three years, commencing July 1, 2025, and terminating June 30, 2028. The total cost of $212,476 is for the initial period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and will require an amendment to authorize cost increases each fiscal year, for years two and three, to continue with the agreement. If the cost increases are not approved in subsequent fiscal years, the contract can be terminated.
Annual increases are calculated by the County and include the full anticipated cost of services, equipment, and supplies in accordance with current County cost data.
The services the County provides to OPD are immeasurable. The contract specifies one Lead Forensic Specialist; however, the County has far exceeded the agency’s expectations and has provided, on numerous occasions, additional staff to oversee critical incidents.
Based on their high level of service and positive results, the department is requesting the continuation of services in the amount of $212,476 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement with the County of Orange