Title
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve the use of Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds for Science-Based Interview training sessions provided by Tailored Training Programs, LLC in the amount of $53,975 for Fiscal Year 2022-23;
2) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to sign Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget transfer increasing revenue and appropriations within the District Attorney’s budget, effective October 1, 2022. (4/5 vote required); and
3) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to execute Amendment I to Agreement 4935 with Tailored Training Programs, LLC in the updated not-to-exceed amount of $93,975, adding to the scope of work training sessions covering Science-Based Interview Techniques.
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 hybrid training sessions, extending their knowledge of Science-Based Interview Techniques. Tailored Training Program, LLC (Tailored Training) 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. Tailored Training instructors are experts in the field of investigations and interview techniques. The specific trainings to be provided will allow District Attorney staff to increase their current level of interviewing skills, with some individuals becoming coaches or mentors in the subject matter. The total cost of the varying courses, beginning September 27, 2022 and lasting through the first quarter of 2023, is $53,975, inclusive of all applicable travel expenses. Per the Board’s approval, Amendment I to Agreement 4935 for Interrogation Training services shall increase the total not-to-exceed amount by $53,975, for an updated total amount of $93,975.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the use of EQSHR funds for the Science-Based Interview Trainings and execute Amendment I to Agreement 4935 with Tailored Training Programs, LLC, the department would request General Fund appropriations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 22-1409, August 16, 2022 - Board approved District Attorney 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.
Legistar 19-1462, October 22, 2019 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement & Contracts
Auditor Controller’s Office
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. The enclosed budget transfer will increase revenue and appropriations in the District Attorney’s FY 2022-23 General Fund Adopted Budget by $53,975 for Science-Based Interview training sessions.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to:
1) Forward executed budget transfer to the Auditor Controller’s Office; and
2) Return an executed copy of Amendment I to Agreement 4935 to the Chief Administrative Office Central Fiscal Division, to the attention of Justene Cline.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Vern Pierson, District Attorney