Title
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (NB)
This item is a request for City Commission approval to apply for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and National Institute of Justice to be used for the Gainesville Police Department's Forensic Crime Unit for fiscal year 2015.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville Police Department has applied for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program and the deadline for the application was April 1, 2014. Requests for the competitive funding are limited up to the amount of $175,000.00. This grant would improve the quality and timeliness of the Latent Print Section by: 1) the reduction in backlog cases expanding and improving our latent print section by going digital through the purchasing of equipment and training; and 2) by hiring a part-time certified latent print examiner and/or using overtime to decrease the backlog of cases.
The Forensic Crime Unit relies heavily on latent fingerprint evidence for identifying individuals who have committed crimes and to provide this evidence to be used for prosecution. Over the last five years, averages of approximately 13,000 latent fingerprint cards per year have been generated by members of the department.
Fiscal Note
There is no match requirement for this grant.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to: 1) accept the grant if awarded from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant; and 2) execute any grant documents, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney.