Title
Probation Department recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County ordinance 3.13.030 that it is more economical and feasible to continue to contract out for transdermal electronic alcohol monitoring equipment and services than to obtain the facilities, personnel, and equipment necessary to provide such services; and continue to utilize SCRAM of California for these services as previously contracted through Agreement 3073;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 4371 effective January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, for a Not to Exceed Amount of $500,000.00; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement 4371, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Public Safety Realignment (AB 109).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Probation Department (Probation) has been continuously operating the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) since 2006 to provide home detention services as a custody alternative for appropriate offenders.
On April 4, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 109, referred to as 2011 Public Safety Realignment. AB 109 was later modified by AB 117. Both bills taken together create extensive changes to existing law which reduces the number of offenders eligible for incarceration in state prison and "realigns" these offenders to local entities who are now responsible to manage the specified offenders.
As a result of a change in the Court’s recent practices of releasing defendants from custody, there has been a significant increase in the orders from the court to use GPS and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) tracking devices. Additionally, on April 30, 2018, funding through the Pre-Trial Supervision Program (PTSP) Grant ended and is not renewable. As a result, the cost of defendants being placed on any electronic monitoring device through the PTSP will no longer be reimbursed. However, the Court has directed the continuance of the PTSP beyond the grant end date, which causes all responsibilities and contract costs to be absorbed by Probation’s budget through Public Safety Realignment funding.
Probation has utilized the “Full Service Program,” offered by SCRAM which will dedicate a part time SCRAM employee to complete the installations and removals of the electronic monitoring devices, a responsibility previously completed by a full time Deputy Probation Officer. This type of work is labor intensive, but does not require a Peace Officer’s attention. Although there is an added cost for this service, it allows the department to utilize the Deputy Probation Officer to address more pressing needs that affect community safety.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
19-0649 #28, 05/14/2019
18-0828 #28, 06/12/2018
18-0346 #22, 05/15/2018
17-0129 #24, 03/21/2017
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approved Community Corrections Partnership Budget, using Public Safety Realignment funds. There is no General Fund impact or increase to Net County Cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of Agreement #4371.
2) Forward one (1) fully executed document to El Dorado County Probation, 3974 Durock Rd, Suite 205, Shingle Springs CA 95682, for distribution to vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Jackie Cook, Administrative Analyst, 530-621-5588