Title
Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a retroactive Purchase Contract with CA LEO Technologies, LLC., in the amount of $16,425 for December 2022 and January 2023 invoices for services related to Agreement 6355 for use of Verus software and systems and services for recording, analyzing, and transcribing inmate phone calls for potential criminal activity.
FUNDING: Special Revenue Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
After consulting with other California counties on which vendors and software were beneficial for monitoring and analyzing inmate communications in the jails, the Sheriff’s Office chose CA LEO Technologies, LLC’s Verus software and services. On May 2, 2022, the Purchasing Agent signed Agreement 6355 with CA LEO Technologies, LLC., for a one-year term in the amount of $75,800 for Verus software and services. The initial one-year term ended on May 1, 2023; however, there weren't sufficient funds remaining to pay invoices for December 2022 and January 2023 in the total amount of $16,425. This request is to authorize the Purchasing Agent to approve and sign a retroactive Purchase Contract in the amount needed to pay for costs incurred during the term of Agreement 6355 which expired on May 1, 2023. The retroactive nature of this contract is due to an administrative delay on the part of the Procurement and Contracts Department where additional language was required to be inserted into the contract after the agreement was approved by County Counsel. It was further delayed by the Board being dark for holidays and Strategic Plan workshops and the volume of Board items that come at the end of the fiscal year.
The purchase of this system and services allowed the Sheriff’s Office the ability to search for specific terms and patterns of behavior over any authorized mode of communication in and out of jails among inmates and their associates that could be used to disrupt criminal activity (such as MS-13 and opioid use and trafficking). Since utilizing the transcription services provided through Leo Technologies, the Sheriff's Office, has been alerted of various potential threats to both inmates and staff. These communications are vetted and then appropriate action can be taken to ensure that all parties involved are safe and any services needed can be provided.
Verus’ analytical capabilities enable the constant learning of new terms, as well as alerting law enforcement to changing trends in inmate communications. As part of the Verus services, CA LEO Technologies, LLC., will notify the Sheriff’s Office of actual or suspected historic or prospective criminal activity.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the item, however, that would prevent the payment of invoices incurred.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Procurement and Contracts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
These costs are accounted for in the Sheriff’s Office FY 2022-23 and future budgets; therefore, there is no increase to net county cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Providing enhanced services to the community increases public safety.
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz