Title
District Attorney's Office recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve the use of Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds for: (a) Science-Based Interview training sessions provided by Tailored Training Programs, LLC in the amount of $84,600 and (b) Professional Development Consulting Services provided by Nick Warner Consulting in the amount of $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and
2) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to execute Agreement 7930 with Tailored Training Programs, LLC in the amount of $84,600, for a three-year period.
FUNDING: Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney, through an agreement with the Federal Department of Justice (DOJ), receives monies for assets seized by partner agencies, also referred to as Equitable Sharing Funds (EQSHR). The funds are deposited into a trust fund in the County Treasury until such time the District Attorney requests the use of the funds per the guidelines established in the Equitable Sharing agreement with DOJ. One of the requirements outlined is obtaining Board approval for the use of EQSHR funds. According to the guidelines, EQSHR funds shall be used by law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes only, which includes law enforcement training and education.
The District Attorney is requesting EQSHR funds be utilized for staff to receive as-needed training courses, extending their knowledge of Science-Based Interview Techniques. Tailored Training Program, LLC (TTP) is a consulting team comprised of world-renowned law enforcement interview instructors and has administered several successful trainings to the District Attorney’s Office in the past. TTP instructors are experts in the field of investigations and interview techniques. Trainings to be provided will allow District Attorney staff to increase their current level of interviewing and interrogation skills through the attendance of specially designed courses. TTP Agreement 7930 is a 3-year, as-needed agreement in the total not-to-exceed amount of $84,600.
Additionally, the District Attorney is requesting EQSHR funds be utilized to support professional development consulting services provided by Nick Warner Consulting. The office is in need of updates to their department’s existing management team structure and team meetings. This initiative would introduce business coaching and advanced professional development with an informed outside perspective. Agreement 8050 with Nick Warner Consulting will be a one-year, task-oriented agreement in the total not-to-exceed amount of $10,000.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the use of EQSHR funds for the Science-Based Interview Trainings and Professional Development Consulting services, and execute Agreement 7930 with Tailored Training Programs, LLC, the department would request General Fund appropriations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 23-0723, April 18, 2023 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
Legistar 22-1636, September 20, 2022 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
Legistar 22-1409, August 16, 2022 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
Legistar 21-0321, March 23, 2021 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
Legistar 20-0152, February 11, 2020 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement & Contracts, County Counsel, Risk Management
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost as the use of Equitable Sharing Funds is being requested. Due to Fiscal Year 2023-2024 adopted budget deadlines, a budget transfer increasing revenue and appropriations under the District Attorney's general fund will be presented to the Board for review and execution at a later date.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to return an executed copy of Agreement 7930 to the Chief Administrative Office Central Fiscal Division, to the attention of Justene Cline.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Vern Pierson, District Attorney