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DATE: |
September 30, 2025 |
06 |
SUBJECT
Title
RATIFY GRANT APPLICATION AND AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FOR THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM, ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE GRANT AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS, ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZE SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has funding available under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, a federal program of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice, that supports states, local governments, and tribes in implementing a broad range of public safety initiatives. Currently, the BSCC is administering $30.6 million in federal funding through the JAG Equipment and Training Program, a one-time funding opportunity for counties through a formula-based, non-competitive grant process. San Diego County has been allocated $2,578,468 for the grant period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The JAG Equipment and Training Program funds equipment, supplies, and training initiatives related to specific JAG Program Purpose Areas (PPA) and priority areas of need, which include law enforcement programs related to violent crime reduction, drug enforcement and pre-arrest interventions to treatment, prosecution and court programs focused on violent crime prosecution and innovative indigent defense, and prevention and education programs for “at promise” youth.
Through this grant, the Public Safety Executive Office would serve as the County’s lead agency for the grant and would work with County public safety departments and offices to fund a variety of one-time needs, including crime lab and drug detection and investigation enhancements in the Sheriff’s Office, vehicles to support youth vocational programs in the Probation Department, investigative technology in the Department of the Public Defender, training to support victim-centered services related to crisis intervention in the District Attorney’s Office, and to purchase furniture and technology to enhance engagement and connections to treatment at the Recovery and Bridge Center in the Public Safety Executive Office’s Community Safety Office.
Today’s request seeks to ratify the application for the BSCC JAG program, authorize the Public Safety Group Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to accept one-time grant funding in the amount of $2,578,468 from the BSCC JAG Program to fund training and purchase of equipment and supplies, adopt a Resolution to authorize JAG Program agreements with the BSCC, and establish appropriations of $2,486,290 in FY 2025-26. This is also a request to authorize the Public Safety Group Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to sign all required or related grant documents in subsequent years, provided there are no material changes to the grant terms and funding levels. A waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - which requires prior approval of grant applications and full cost recovery, is requested as this funding request was not received by the Board of Supervisors at least fifteen days in advance of the date on which the grant request was submitted, and the proposed grant funding allocations would not fully recover indirect program costs.
Additionally, today’s request would authorize the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to conduct single source procurements of specialized equipment and programming in the Sheriff’s Office Regional Crime Laboratory and Narcotics Task Force. Authority for single source procurement of these items, goods and services from specific manufacturers and vendors is requested due to the need of unique capability, standardization, or continuity.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Ratify the submission of the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Training Program grant application, submitted to BSCC on September 8, 2025.
2. Authorize the Public Safety Group Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to accept $2,578,468 in grant funds from the California BSCC 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Training Program for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
3. Adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR, AND ACCEPTANCE OF, THE FUNDING AWARD BY THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS 2025 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM.
4. Authorize the Public Safety Group Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, and/or designee, to review and execute all required grant documents, including any annual extensions, amendments and/or revisions for the current and future years thereto that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level.
5. Establish appropriations of $1,154,869 in the Sheriff’s Office, Services & Supplies ($3,469), for training to support the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Regional Crime Laboratory, and Fixed Assets, ($1,151,400) for laboratory equipment for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Regional Crime Laboratory and equipment to support the Narcotics Task Force based on unanticipated revenue from the California BSCC 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Training Program. (4 VOTES)
6. Establish appropriations of $94,082 in the District Attorney’s Office, for Services & Supplies, related to training for crisis intervention based on unanticipated revenue from the California BSCC 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Training Program. (4 VOTES)
7. Establish appropriations of $360,977 in the Department of the Public Defender, for Services & Supplies ($290,777), for training, specialized hardware, and software licensing, and for Fixed Assets ($70,200), for equipment related to computer hardware and software, specialized equipment, to enhance the department’s ability to perform investigations based on unanticipated revenue from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. (4 VOTES)
8. Establish appropriations of $790,762 in the Probation Department, for Services & Supplies ($387,562), for training, equipment for the Mobile Probation Service Center vehicles, furniture and equipment for the Less Restrictive Programs, and Fixed Assets ($403,200) to purchase vehicles to support youth vocational programs, based on unanticipated revenue from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. (4 VOTES)
9. Establish appropriations of $85,600 in the Public Safety Executive Office, Services & Supplies, for computer equipment, furniture, and a case management system to support additional law enforcement referrals and client connections at the Recovery and Bridge Center, based on unanticipated revenue from the California BSCC 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. (4 VOTES)
10. Waive Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, and Revenue Contracts-Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, which requires prior approval of grant applications and full cost recovery.
11. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations for procurement of various specialized law enforcement and laboratory equipment, programming and original equipment manufacturers’ parts, repairs, services and supplies, and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award contracts for an initial term of up to one year, with an option to extend for an additional six months if needed, and to amend the contracts as necessary to reflect changes in service needs or funding requirements, subject to the approval of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety. The complete list of specialized law enforcement and laboratory equipment is contained in Attachment B - Equipment and Programming List (On file with the Clerk of the Board).
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action advances equity within the justice system by improving access to fair and timely justice, which supports communities disproportionately impacted by crime and systemic inequities. Investments in advanced forensic technology and digital evidence capabilities will strengthen accuracy and transparency in investigations. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed training for probation officers, along with youth vocational programs included in the proposed action, promote racial justice and reduce disparities in the youth legal system. Additionally, victim-centered crisis response will enhance outcomes for individuals and families, reinforcing trust and resilience across diverse communities.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
This action supports the County’s sustainability goals through a public safety model that prioritizes fairness, accountability, and efficient use of resources. Leveraging technology to improve investigative accuracy reduces redundant processes and optimizes operational capacity, while ongoing workforce training promotes lasting improvements in system performance. Proposed programs represent an approach to public safety and justice that address immediate needs while also strengthening long-term community well-being and institutional trust, contributing to a resilient and sustainable justice system.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operational Plan in the Sheriff’s Office ($1,154,869), District Attorney’s Office ($94,082), the Department of the Public Defender ($360,977), the Probation Department ($790,762), and the Public Safety Executive Office ($85,600). If approved, this request will result in current year estimated costs and revenue of $2,578,468. The funding source is the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant passed through to the California Board of State and Community Corrections. This request includes a waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, and Revenue Contracts-Department Responsibility for Cost Recovery, which requires prior approval of grant applications and full cost recovery. The grant revenue recovers all direct costs but does not recover all costs associated with administrative overhead and support estimated at $374,360. The funding source is existing General Purpose Revenue in the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Probation, and the Public Safey Executive Office. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) is the designated State Administering Agency for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Equipment and Training Program, which is federally funded through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The one-time grant funding program supports California counties in the acquisition of equipment or training across a broad range of program purpose areas, including drug and violent crime enforcement, crime prevention, crisis intervention, and community corrections. To meet the BSCC application deadline and leverage the non-competitive funding opportunity, the Public Safety Executive Office worked with departments to identify qualifying, feasible needs that align with the JAG program and the County’s strategic plan. A coordinated funding proposal requesting the full $2,578,468 allocation available to San Diego was submitted by the September 8, 2025, deadline.
Five Public Safety departments-the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Department of the Public Defender, Probation Department, and Public Safety Executive Office, Community Safety Office-developed program proposals included in the funding request.
If approved by the Board of Supervisors (Board) and the BSCC, the JAG Program would provide resources for coordinated investment that would:
• Expand access to vocational and educational opportunities for incarcerated youth; support hiring and training of probation officers and equip mobile services (Probation Department).
• Modernize forensic science technology and strengthen violent crime and narcotics investigations (Sheriff’s Office).
• Promote defense parity in digital forensics and safeguard fairness in court proceedings (Department of Public Defender)
• Enhance crisis intervention and family violence training to support victims of crime (District Attorney’s Office).
• Enhance the client experience and case management system at the Recovery and Bridge Center to increase engagement and treatment connections at the central sobering service (Public Safety Executive Office)
Additional details of proposed San Diego County JAG Program:
Sheriff’s Office $1,154,869
The JAG funding would enhance the Sheriff’s crime lab forensic capabilities and expand advanced drug detection capabilities for specialized teams targeting fentanyl suppression and highway drug trafficking. This includes the purchase of a Cadre 3D High-Capacity imaging system for firearms analysis, narcotics analysis instruments, programming upgrades to connect crime lab equipment directly to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), enabling automatic data transfer and reducing errors, and handheld x-ray and backscatter imaging systems. The proposal also covers a training opportunity for the Crime Labatory Firearms Examiner. Collectively, these improvements would enhance violent crime prosecution, strengthen drug enforcement investigations, improve case integrity and increase efficiency in forensic workflows.
Probation Department: $790,762
The JAG funding would fund two Ford F-250 or F-450 trucks, trailers, 15-passenger vans to transport staff, equipment, and youth as part of the Youth Development Academy Fire Program, in addition to other vocational training initiatives. Racial Justice & Equity in Youth Legal Systems training for probation officers in youth legal systems is also included. These investments support positive outcomes for system-involved youth. Additionally, mobile probation service vehicles would be equipped with computers, safety equipment and supplies to connect clients to field-based probation services, including case management and connections to treatment and social services.
The Department of the Public Defender $360,977
The JAG funding would establish a Cellebrite Lab, enabling forensic technology and training to independently extract and analyze digital evidence from cellphones and mobile devices. Building in-house capabilities allows independent verification of prosecutorial case findings and strengthens defense capabilities in cases involving digital evidence.
District Attorney’s Office $94,082
The JAG funding would be used to enhance training that supports trauma-informed, victim-centered crisis intervention and response services, expanding the County’s ability to provide immediate and effective services to victims of crime.
Public Safety Executive Office $85,600
The Recovery and Bridge Center (RBC) is an alternate location used by San Diego County law enforcement in lieu of jail booking. Today, the RBC is primarily short-term sobering services for publicly intoxicated individuals. The JAG funding would be used to add comfortable furniture, client-use computers, and a client case management system for services that increase client engagement and support better connections to offsite services. These enhancements also support a goal of expanding eligibility for services at the RBC beyond those arrested for public intoxication.
Single Source Justification
Authority for single source procurement of these items, goods and services from specific manufacturers and vendors is requested due to the need of Unique Capability (Board Policy A-87 3A1); Standardization (Board Policy A-87 3A2); and Continuity (Board Policy A-87 3A3):
Authorization for single source procurement of the TopMatch-3D High-Capacity 3D Scanning and Analysis System for the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory is being requested from Cadre Forensics. This system provides unique 3D cartridge case analysis capability and ensures continuity with validated forensic comparison methods.
Authorization for single source procurement of a Gas Chromatograph with Mass Spectrometry Detector (GC/MS) for the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory is requested from Agilent Technologies. This purchase maintains standardization with the four Agilent GC/MS instruments currently in use at the Crime Laboratory and supports consistent data integration and reporting.
Authorization for single source procurement of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Programming at the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory is being requested from Forensic Advantage. Continuity of laboratory records and workflows requires maintaining the proprietary LIMS platform already in place, which cannot be serviced or replaced by another vendor.
Authorization for single source procurement of Handheld X-ray Imaging Systems and Handheld X-ray Backscatter Imaging Systems for the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force is being requested from Viken Detection. These devices are already deployed within the Special Investigations Division, and additional units are necessary to maintain standardization and operational capability.
All the single source items identified above will be listed with full details and justification in Attachment B - Equipment and Programming List. These items have been evaluated by the Sheriff’s Office and are required to maintain continuity, standardization, and operational capability.
Today’s actions would ratify the application to the BSCC for the JAG program, authorize the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety, to execute grant agreements and accept funding for the program and execute all required or related grant documents in subsequent years, provided there are no material changes to the grant terms and funding levels, adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the application and acceptance of funding for the JAG Equipment and Training Program, and establish appropriations of $2,486,290 in FY 2025-26. A waiver of Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - which requires prior approval of grant applications and full cost recovery, is requested as this funding request was not received by the Board of Supervisors at least fifteen days in advance of the date on which the grant request was submitted, and the proposed grant funding allocations would not fully recover indirect program costs. Additionally, today’s request would authorize the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to conduct single source procurement of specialized equipment and programming in the Sheriff’s Office.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action supports the County of San Diego 2025-2030 Strategic Plan initiatives of Justice (Safety), Empower (Workforce, Innovation), and Community (Engagement, Quality of Life) and the regional Live Well San Diego vision by strengthening public safety through innovative technology, enhancing workforce training, and advancing justice services to better serve and assist our communities.
Respectfully submitted,
ebony n. shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR, AND ACCEPTANCE OF, THE FUNDING AWARD BY THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS 2025 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM
Attachment B - EQUIPMENT AND PROGRAMMING LIST