The Sparks Police Department is seeking approval to complete and submit an application for the OCJA 2020 JAG that would allow the department to fund the purchase of the following equipment: an Ocean Systems tower and training for the processing, enhancing and storing of video evidence; a Talino Forensic Workstation capable of being used for myriad forensics applications as well as cellular tower/GPS mapping; a  Laser Scanning System for the investigation of serious and fatal traffic accidents.

The Ocean Systems and Talino Forensic Workstation and training would update electronic forensics systems currently in place while additionally providing the most current training available to capture critical forensic and cellular data as well as video evidence necessary for the successful investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. A Laser Scanning system would provide members of the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) the ability to accurately capture two and three dimensional scene data from major, often fatal accidents, that is vital in the documentation, storage, and recreation of accident scenes for criminal prosecution. The approximate total cost of the equipment is $84,000, all of which would be funded by the OCJA 2020 JAG if awarded. The deadline to apply for this grant is May 29, 2020.

1. Council may approval the submission of an application for the OCJA 2020 JAG.

2. Council may deny submission of an application for the OCJA 2020 JAG and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to direct the Sparks Police Department to submit an application for the OCJA 2020 JAG Grant in the amount of approximately $84,000, for the purchase of the Ocean Systems Tower and training, the Talino Forensic Workstation, and a Laser Scanning System.