TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Dan Adams, Chief of Police
1. Subject
title
Agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. for evidence collection services through June 30, 2026.
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2. Summary
A proposed two-year agreement will provide the continuation of services for the collection of evidentiary blood samples in the amount of $70,000 per year, a total contract amount of $140,000, for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Approve the two-year agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. in the amount of $140,000 for evidence collection services; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The expense for this agreement is $140,000, $70,000 per year, and will be funded upon adoption of the proposed fiscal year budgets through General Fund (100).
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community
a: Provide staffing and resources to deliver services that ensure public safety.
6. Discussion and Background
Unlawful offenses involving alcohol and drugs, pursuant to the guidelines established under the California Vehicle Code, may require the collection of evidence samples. When required, evidentiary samples must be collected by a certified phlebotomy technician, licensed physician, nurse or other individual authorized by Vehicle Code Section 23158. Once collected, samples are taken to the Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) for processing. Proper operating procedures have been established for the withdrawal, handling, and preservation of evidentiary samples and are detailed in the Orange Police Department Policy Manual, Policy No. 505.
Since 1989, the Orange Police Department has been contracting with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. (CFP) for the collection of evidence of criminal offenses involving alcohol and drugs. CFP collects samples, transports evidence to OCCL, and provides court testimony for the Police Department. In addition, CFP operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, retains highly skilled medical professionals, and maintains a proper chain of possession. CFP provides the same services to Orange County law enforcement agencies including the Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol.
For Fiscal Years 2024-2025 (FY25) and 2025-2026 (FY26), the service cost per sample increased from $129.79 to $156 and $164, respectively. The increase is based on rising costs of operating expenses and is equivalent to a 20.2% increase for FY25 and 5.13% increase for FY26.
The term of this agreement spans two fiscal years, commencing July 1, 2024, and terminating June 30, 2026. The agreement includes an amount of $70,000 per year, for a total contract amount of $140,000. Funding for the initial year is included in the proposed FY25 budget, with year two funding dependent on FY26 budget approval.
Based on their high level of service, the Police Department is requesting the continuation of evidence collection services with CFP for $70,000 per year, a total contract amount of $140,000.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement with CFP