Subject:
Title
Agreement with the District Six Medical Examiner for professional services related to the Medical Examiner’s Office and Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the agreement with Jon R. Thogmartin, M.D., P.A., District Six Medical Examiner (Medical Examiner) for professional services related to the Medical Examiner’s Office and Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
• The provision of forensic laboratory services and medical examiner services is an integral part of the criminal justice system.
• Services performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office include but are not limited to autopsies, laboratory testing for analysis of evidence, and cremation services.
• This Agreement provides funding in the amount of $6,109,250.00 for professional services.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Summary:
This agreement provides funding for Medical Examiner operations and Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory services in accordance with Chapter 406, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 11G, Florida Administrative Code. The Medical Examiner will furnish all services and personnel necessary for Medical Examiner operations within Pinellas County. This agreement for professional services includes new funding for the laboratory information management system, JusticeTrax (Phase II) at $126,000.00, and one (1) FTE with equipment for advanced testing of THC at $95,200.00.
Background Information:
Medical Examiner operations comprises roughly 60% of the agreement budget and Forensic Laboratory operations including the Chemistry/Fire/Debris Section, the DUI Section, and the DNA Section at roughly 40% of the budget. Under Section 406.06(3) and 406.08(1), Florida Statutes, the Board of County Commissioners is responsible for the payment of Medical Examiner fees, salaries, and expenses. In 2018, the Medical Examiner accepted 1,456 Pinellas County death cases for examination. There were 701 crime scene investigations in 2017 and 766 crime scene investigations in 2018, an increase of 9.0%.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in the amount not to exceed $6,109,250.00 is included in the Medical Examiner’s General Fund appropriation in the FY20 Proposed Budget inclusive of Medical Examiner operations and Forensic Laboratory services.
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
District Six Medical Examiner
Attachments:
Medical Examiner Agreement
List of Fees for Services
Insurance Policy