Subject:
Title
Grant award acceptance from the U.S. Department of Justice for the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction grant.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant award for the 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant (DNA Grant).
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Summary:
The DNA Grant award totals $235,086.00 and funds the costs of one (1) full time DNA Analyst, one (1) part-time DNA Analyst, equipment purchases, and supplies to maintain processing of Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory’s (PCFL) DNA lab submissions.
Background/Explanation:
The award is a continuation of DNA grant funding for positions and expenses initiated in Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12). The grant helps to maintain capacity within PCFL. Since 2011, the number of DNA cases submitted to Forensic Laboratory has increased by 127%, with the most significant growth coming from sexual assault cases due to legislative changes.
Year DNA Cases Submitted
2011 871
2012 1109
2013 1129
2014 1211
2015 1589
2016 1990
2017 1975
The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory expects to compete 300 additional DNA cases and conduct 200 additional technical reviews with the DNA Grant funding.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $235,086.00 over twenty-four (24) months is provided by the Grant. No matching funds are required. The revenues and expenditures anticipated during Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) are included in the FY19 Adopted Budget.
The DNA Grant period is two (2) years, from 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2020.
Delegated Authority:
The County Administrator is authorized to sign this Acceptance under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
U.S. Department of Justice
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Attachments:
FY18 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Award
DNA Grant Program Narrative
Intent to Apply