TITLE:
title
PURCHASE OF THE FOSTER & FREEMAN DCS®5 DIGITAL CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SCENE UNIT
end
DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY: SCOTT STAFFORD, LIEUTENANT
CONTACT INFORMATION: SCOTT STAFFORD, LIEUTENANT, (714) 754-5675
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the purchase of a DCS®5 Digital Capture System from Foster & Freeman for the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) in the amount of $112,106.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase Order, and any other documents required in connection with the purchase of the DCS®5 Digital Capture System.
end
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit uses alternate light source (ALS) to assist in the collection of DNA and forensic evidence. The current process to use ALS requires multiple pieces of equipment (multiple light sources, tri-pod, camera, different colors of safety glasses, and lens covers for the camera). This process takes time to set up each time and requires the investigator to select the right wavelengths of ALS and filters. While this process has proven to be effective, it is more time consuming and delays investigative leads when compared to newer technologies available for the advancement of policing.
In December of 2022, the Prop 69 Committee approved $122,606.00 for funding the purchase of a DCS®5 imaging system ($112,106.00) and forensic evidence drying cabinets ($10,500.00). In April of 2023, the allocation was approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
The acceptance of the 2022 Proposition 69 Funds, in the amount of $122,606.00, was presented and approved by the City Council on June 20, 2023.
ANALYSIS:
The DCS®5 is an all-in-one system that allows adjustments to the wavelength and filters at the touch of a button. It is a comprehensive imaging system for the illumination, visualization, photography, and enhancement of DNA and fingerprints on varying surfaces and backgrounds. Precise wavebands of illumination from UV through the visible to IR are provided to improve the visualization of different types of fingerprints including latent, contaminated or chemically treated. It includes wavelengths that CMPD does not currently have, which will allow for better detection of evidence. This will allow evidence to be processed more efficiently and thoroughly and provide leads to Detectives more quickly to help solve cases faster.
The DCS®5 fingerprint capture and enhancement workstation is designed, manufactured, and distributed exclusively by Foster & Freeman.
A Sole Source Request and Foster & Freeman quote were submitted to Finance to justify the purchase of the DCS®5 Digital Capture System. The system and enhancement workstation is designed, manufactured, and distributed exclusively by Foster & Freeman. It is the only product that combines high-resolution UV-Vis-IT photography, multi-spectral illumination, and a powerful software interface with digital enhancement and casework management functions in the DCS®5. It is an instrument for the detection, photography, and enhancement of fingerprint evidence.
This purchase will enhance and improve the Police Department’s ability to identify, collect, and process DNA evidence.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to purchase the DCS®5 Digital Capture System; however, this alternative is not recommended as this all-in-one system will improve the CSU’s ability to identify, collect, and process DNA evidence utilizing grant funds.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There are sufficient appropriations in Fund 231 State Grants. Funds were received in FY 2022/23 from the Proposition 69 Grant to fund this purchase.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and approved it as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the Public’s Safety and Improve the Quality of Life
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the purchase of a DCS®5 Digital Capture System from Foster & Freeman for the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) in the amount of $112,106.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase Order, and any other documents required in connection with the purchase, of the DCS®5 Digital Capture System.