Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget NarrativeV Budget Narrative The Budget will provide funds to allow for the review of case files and evidence by the cold case team and provide funds for testing of an estimated two samples of DNA evidence from the anticipated 20% (or more) of the entire cold case backlog of 1,479 homicides that may provide DNA evidence that can be analyzed. Should there be a greater number of cases that warrant DNA testing then our estimate of 20%, we will seek to amend our budget to move approved monies from other budgeted items to the appropriate category to fund the testing of these samples over our estimate. The budget also provides funding for support personnel who as cold case team members will assist in the evidence review process or investigative process. Funds that have been set aside for travel are based on an estimate and past experience of detectives who expect a number of witnesses and suspects developed from investigations will have relocated. Equipment purchases will enable detectives easily and quickly enter case information from remote locations into the tracking system with laptop computers purchased as well as investigative notes and reports. Printers, scanners and copies will be used to obtain copies of information from files to be filed electronically for rapid access, review and presentation. A projector will be used for team case review and presentations. Funding will enable detectives to work 8 hours per week on the grant for 48 weeks in the first year and 24 weeks in the first six months of second year of the grant 17 (72 weeks total) on an overtime basis. The 72 week period was calculated based on a grant period of 18 months (1.5 years) with deductions for time spent for departmental training, vacations, court and illness. We have taken into account that the majority of the cold case files are in storage and will require time for location, retrieval and organization. After consulting with the Miami -Dade County Police Department, regarding testing of DNA evidence samples, it was determined that the Miami -Dade Laboratory would review our evidence and help identify which samples were most likely to yiel DNA profile. The Miami -Dade Lab personnel would then outsource our evidence samples to an outside lab for testing. Miami -Dade forensic laboratory staff would attempt to identify DNA matches in CODIS, certify DNA hits and make all entries into CODIS. Additionally, the lab advised us they would supply statistical reports for all evidence analyzed. The cost per sample that they have quoted our Department is $300.00 per sample. All expenditure of grant funds will be monitored by the Police Budget Unit that is functions under the Business Management Section, commanded by a Major who reports to an Assistant Chief of Police. 18