STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: August 28, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize an Interlocal Agreement with Tarrant County, through The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office for the provision of forensic, drug, toxicological, environmental, and physical evidence analysis, and other similar medical/forensic analytical services for the period September 1, 2024 through September 30, 2028 - Estimated amount of $500,000.00 - Financing: General Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
This action does not encumber funds; the purpose of a price agreement is to establish firm pricing for services over a specific term, which are ordered on an as-needed basis according to annual budgetary appropriations. The estimated amount is intended as guidance rather than a cap on spending under the agreement, so that the combined need and budgeted amount will determine the spending under this agreement.
Since January 2000, the City of Dallas has annually entered into an interlocal agreement with Dallas County for forensic laboratory services through the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas (SWIFS).
SWIFS’ services include the analysis of drug evidence, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis and comparison, microscopic (trace) evidence analysis, and the identification of fire accelerants. These services are vital to the successful investigation and prosecution of crime. This agreement is not intended to replace the services provided by SWIFS with those from Tarrant County, but rather to expand our testing options and capacity to ensure timely and effective forensic analysis.
The proposed Interlocal Agreement will provide services from September 1, 2024 through September 30, 2028.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Public Safety Committee will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on August 27, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$200,000.00 |
$100,000.00 |
$200,000.00 |