Title
Resolution Authorizing Execution of Contract for the Implementation of a DNA Database and Sample Analytics for the Greensboro Police Department
Body
Department: Police
Council District: Citywide
Public Hearing: 5/7/2014
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Captain BL James, 433-7380
Contact 2 and Phone: Stephanie Moore, 373-2352
PURPOSE:
The Greensboro Police department wishes to fund a DNA testing contract for DNA analysis. The purpose of the contracted service is to analyze DNA samples related to crimes for which the North Carolina State Crime Lab generally will not test. On January 15, 2013, City Council approved a resolution (Res. #8-13) authorizing the police department to enter into a contract with another vendor to perform the desired service; however, that laboratory is unable to perform its contracted functions. Therefore, the department would like to contract with another vendor to perform the testing, funding the contract with NC Unauthorized Substances Tax proceeds.
NCGS 105.113.105 allows local law enforcement agencies to share in the North Carolina Unauthorized Substances Tax proceeds. The NC Department of Revenue distributes a percentage of the excise tax proceeds to the local law enforcement agencies which conducted the investigation of a dealer that led to the assessment. A resolution needs to be approved by City Council to permit the expenditure of funds.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department, leading a collaboration of other area law enforcement agencies, wishes to contract with a private DNA testing facility to enhance their crime solving capabilities for crime types that are currently untested by the State Bureau of Investigation's DNA laboratory. These crimes include the GPD core focus crimes of robbery, burglary and larceny from vehicle, which are often committed by serial offenders. The GPD believes DNA analysis can effectively reduce the incidence of these crimes and promote a greater level of safety in our community.
This contract will support the startup of the DNA program by funding database setup and software licensing, as well as producing DNA profiles from collected reference and evidence materials. The BIOTRACKS Software is intended to be used for the storage, management, searching, analysis, retrieval, and referencing of DNA profile data among all participating NC law enforcement agencies. The vendor will work with the Greensboro Police Department and its partner agencies to establish a program for crime scene investigators, detectives, officers, and deputies to use DNA collection techniques and the BIOTRACKS Software to investigate and solve priority crimes.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The contract will be funded with the North Carolina Unauthorized Substances Tax proceeds in the estimated amount of $125,000. The funds will be housed in 220-3520-01.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested and recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution to allow the Greensboro Police Department to enter into a contract for DNA testing and analytics.