Subject:
Title
Grant award with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula grant on behalf of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant award with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grants formula programs.
• The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grants formula program funds projects to help improve the timeliness and quality of forensic science and medical examiner services.
• Formula funds will be used by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office to purchase autopsy and camera equipment.
• Formula funding in an amount of $3,142.89 is available for a 21-month grant period from 10/1/2024 through 6/30/2026 for Pinellas County under the Coverdell Formula Grant.
• This grant will be administered by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner in close coordination with the FDLE.
• Funding for this award is included in the FY25 and the proposed FY26 budget of The Medical Examiner in the General Fund. No match is required.
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Strategic Plan:
To be the Standard for Public Service in America.
Meeting the needs and concerns of the community today and tomorrow.
Healthy and Safe Communities
Summary:
The Coverdell Grant Formula Program will provide federal grant dollars to purchase autopsy and camera equipment for the Medical Examiner’s Office fulfill the requirements under Florida State Statute Chapter 406 and Florida Administrative Code 11-G. The equipment is essential in being able to perform their statutory duties, and to provide a high level of quality services to the citizens and agencies in the district that the office serves.
Background/Explanation:
The Coverdell Grant Formula Program awards grants to States and units of local government to carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the state, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the state and those operated by units of local government within the state. The Coverdell Grant Program awards formula funds to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) who pass through funding for the Medical Examiner’s Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount of $3,142.89, for the 21-month project period of 10/1/2024-6/30/2026, will be provided through FDLE from the Coverdell Grant Formula for the Medical Examiner’s Office. No match is required.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this grant award is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Medical Examiner
Department of Justice
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Attachments:
Coverdell Award Agreement C2410