The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division provides full forensic services to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  The Division is a full-service forensic laboratory staffed by more than 40 individuals in sworn and civilian capacities.  The Division provides investigative support with a full service crime unit.  The scientific disciplines consist of DNA, Toxicology, Controlled Substances, Firearms and limited trace evidence analysis.  The Breath Alcohol Section also proves support for the Breath Alcohol instruments across Northern Nevada.

The Sparks Police Department does not maintain a forensic science division/section/unit.  Costs to establish a full service lab would be astronomical.  The Sparks Police then contracts annually with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division for evidence collection and laboratory analysis for an array of services.  These services are many times required as "call outs" from the Sparks Police Detective Section on a 24/7 basis.  The Forensic Science Division is commonly requested by Sparks Police Detectives for cases such as: homicides, sexual assaults, child abuse or death, child sexual assault, suspicious deaths, shootings, stabbings, officer involved shootings, traffic accidents involving death or significant injuries, or any major felony.  In addition, officers will submit for DNA analysis on a variety of property type calls such as residential and/or vehicle burglary.

The agreement for fiscal year 2018/2019 is $489,500 which was included in this years approved City budget.

The City Council could decline approving this agreement.

I move to approve the Forensic Support Services Agreement with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and ratify the $489,500 expenditure.