Title
a. Support approval for an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues of $392,350 for the FY2020-21 Sheriff-Coroner’s Adopted Budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SHE003, financed by an operating transfer from 2011 Public Safety Realignment for the purchase of jail equipment: and
b. Support authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2020-21 Sheriff-Coroner’s Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations and estimated revenue by $392,350, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SHE003, financed by an operating transfer from 2011 Public Safety Realignment for the purchase of jail equipment.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
a. Support approval for an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues of $392,350 for the FY2020-21 Sheriff-Coroner’s Adopted Budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SHE003, financed by an operating transfer from 2011 Public Safety Realignment for the purchase of jail equipment: and
b. Support authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2020-21 Sheriff-Coroner’s Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations and estimated revenue by $392,350, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SHE003, financed by an operating transfer from 2011 Public Safety Realignment for the purchase of jail equipment.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 19, 2020, the Community Corrections Partnership approved the recommendations that additional funding in the amount of $392,350, from the AB109 - 2011 Public Safety Realignment account be provided to the Sheriff’s Office for reimbursement for the payment of jail safety equipment. Specifically, a mail screening system and a technology system that automates processes and documents correctional workflows.
Original budget of these equipment was approved in FY 2019-2020 and the Sheriff’s Office started the procurement process during that year. However, receipt of these equipment was delayed, and this amount was not utilized in FY 2019-2020. CCP approved the Sheriff’s Office request to augment the FY 2020-2021 AB109 budget to cover payment of these equipment.
Chemimage is a mail screening system costing $160,370. As a result of the longer sentences from AB109, inmates have more time to coordinate the introduction of contraband into the facility through the U.S. Mail. Over the past several years, investigations have led to the discovery of methamphetamine-soaked paper. We have also experienced drug overdoses from Fentanyl that went undetected. To combat this increase, the jail is researching mail scanning devices that can detect drugs and other contraband. The jail would use this technology during the screening of mail before the mail is distributed to the inmates. This technology will help detect contraband and reduce the risk to mail screening personnel. This mail screener will increase facility security by empowering officers with technology that will help them identify illegal drugs hidden in the mail. The Chemimage system is currently used by the Mariposa County Jail, Lake County Jail, Santa Ana Police Department, Polk County Jail in Oregon and several other public safety units.
The Guardian RFID system is a radio frequency identification technology costing $231,980. This system is composed of a platform that uses radio-frequency identification technology to automate a wide range of correctional workflows and processes including documentation of welfare checks, inmate movement, program accountability, etc. Under the Hernandez v Monterey County settlement agreement, the Sheriff’s Office is required to meticulously document many processes in the jail. Through the Guardian system, the Sheriff’s Office will have the ability to document many of these requirements in real-time.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office has reviewed this request.
FINANCING:
The additional revenue for the reimbursement to the Sheriff’s Office is provided by an operational transfer from the AB109 - 2011 Public Safety Realignment account. There is no impact to the General Fund contribution.
Prepared by: Jonabel O. Perez, Finance Manager II, X4559
James H. Bass, Corrections Bureau Chief Deputy, X3887
Approved by: Steve Bernal, Sheriff X3856