TITLE
Title
APPROVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR THE PAUL COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT GRANT
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Capt. Wes Mecham)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) has a seven (7) person Crime Scene Investigation Unit (CSIU). The members of this unit respond to crime scenes to process them for evidence, collect the evidence, process the evidence and store the evidence at the Special Operations Division (SOD) building at 508 Industrial Ave. Greensboro. The GCSO CSIU is in need of additional and more precise equipment to more professionally carry out their mission of collecting and processing evidence for criminal cases. Specifically, the department is seeking purchase of The DCS®5 system would improve the quality of GCSO CSIU and LPU work by increasing the ability to visualize, photograph, examine, and compare friction ridge detail on items processed for latent print evidence. The Foster+Freeman system, in addition to new tablets and dual monitors, would improve the timeliness of our forensic services by making our entire process more efficient: quicker processing time, quicker examinations and comparisons, quicker note taking, and quicker supplements. Attending additional training and workshops provided by the IAI conferences would also improve our quality of work by maintaining proficiencies.
In an effort to do so, CSIU wants to apply for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant. The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (the Coverdell Program) awards grants to states and units of local government to help improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government. Funding under the Coverdell Program allows that applicants may request funding to address emerging forensic science issues and technology through implementation of new technologies and processes into public laboratories. In collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (Forensics TTA) Program, led by RTI International, offers a team of subject matter experts who provide expertise and assistance to grantees in support of BJA’s overall mission to strengthen America’s criminal justice system. Below are listed components of the grant, which are specific to the needs of the GCSO CSIU.
To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence, including, among other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examinations, latent prints, impression evidence, digital evidence, controlled substances, and trace evidence.
The items being requested would eliminate the backlog we currently have with firearm-related evidence, latent prints, and other impression evidence. Having higher quality forensic evidence results and being more timely in the whole process, including notetaking and writing supplements would contribute to reducing the backlogs while also increasing our success rates.
Another type of evidence collected by law enforcement and specifically by the Guilford County Sheriff's Office is digital evidence. This grant also allows the funds to be used to improve the collection and processing of digital evidence. The Sheriff’s Office has a digital forensics unit as part of it Major Crimes Unit.
The Digital Forensic Unit operates within the Special Operations Division of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. The Digital Forensic Unit provides investigative support to all units within the sheriff’s office. These investigations include but are not limited to, homicide, violent crimes, narcotics, human trafficking, fraud, identity theft, child sexual exploitation, larceny, Fentanyl/Opioid Overdose (Death by Distribution), and school threats. The Digital Forensic Unit uses cutting-edge technology, advanced training, and investigative expertise to assist with achieving the mission of providing pertinent data to investigators in a timely manner. The Digital Forensic Unit collects, preserves, acquires, and analyzes digital evidence in criminal cases. Digital evidence can range from smartphones, tablets, computers/laptops, DVRs, USB drives, SD cards, vehicles, and smart devices. Due to the broad nature of digitally related crimes, the unit works closely with many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Digital forensics training will allow investigators to improve comprehension of complex computer processes and better understand the latest technologies, techniques, and equipment for acquiring and analyzing data. Continued training also allows investigators to become subject matter experts in the field, which provides the ability to explain digital forensics to lay members of the community and the judicial system. Overall, digital forensics training and equipment for investigators is a strategic investment in the agency's investigative capabilities, efficiency, and reputation.
1. To carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science, including those services provided by laboratories operated by units of local government within the state.
2. To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence, including, among other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examinations, latent prints, impression evidence, controlled substances, and trace evidence.
3. To train forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to improve the processing of evidence.
4. To purchase equipment, which will address the changes and improvements in emerging forensic science technology.
If awarded this grant, it would be for one (1) year only with the dates for use of the funds starting October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The deadline to apply is June 24, 2024.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
If awarded this grant, the County could receive up to $500,000, and there is no required County match for the grant funds.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Authorize the Guilford County Sheriff's Office to apply for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant.
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