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CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A COVERDALE NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCES IMPROVEMENT ACT GRANT THROUGH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S COUNCIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,480.57 TO BE USED BY THE NORMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ACCREDITATION TRAINING AND TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR LABORATORY TECHNICIANS AND SUPERVISORS OF THE CITY OF NORMAN FORENSIC LABORATORY, APPROVAL OF CONTRACT NO. K-1314-87; AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION.
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BACKGROUND: The Coverdale National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act (NFSIA) grant provides funding to crime laboratories through the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council based on population and crime statistics. The program provides funding for expenses related to facilities, personnel, equipment, computerization, supplies, accreditation, certification, and education and training.
DISCUSSION: The City of Norman has been offered funds from this grant in the amount of $7,480.57 that does not require a match. The Norman Police Forensic Laboratory is accredited through the Forensic Quality Service, Inc. (FQS). Accreditation ensures that control of records, proficiency testing, traceability, safety and other daily laboratory operations conform with rigorous standards and best practices. We intend to use the funds from this grant to pay FQS accreditation fees and to purchase a new ninhydrin development chamber for the forensic laboratory.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the Council accept the grant funds in the amount of $7,480.57, and deposit the funds into Special Grant Fund, Grant Revenue (account 022-0000-334.13-43). Funds are recommended to be appropriated into and expended from the following accounts:
Professional License/Certification Fees (account 022-6011-421.46-22; project GP0023); amount $2,230.57
Laboratory Equipment (account 022-6011-421.51-22; project GP0023); amount $5,250