REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 13, 2016
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: TOM LABAND, Lieutenant
Investigative Services Division
SUBJECT: Forensic Interview Agreement Amendment
Title
Approve first amendment to the agreement for forensic interview services with Family Healing Center, Inc., to extend the term of the agreement for one year and increase the total contract dollar amount to $70,000.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends City Council approve the first amendment to an agreement with the Family Healing Center, Inc. (FHC), for forensic interviews for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence, thereby extending the agreement period for one year and/or a maximum of $35,000, and authorize the Chief of Police or designee to execute all related documents. The term of the proposed amended agreement is from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 1, 2015, the City executed an agreement with the Family Healing Center, Inc., to provide forensic interviews authorized by the Fresno Police Department (FPD) for certain victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The agreement amount of $35,000 was below the limit established for Council approval. The FPD and FHC now seek to extend the agreement for an additional one year period under the same terms and conditions. The additional year would bring the total amount over two consecutive years to $70,000 and requires Council approval.
BACKGROUND
The FPD investigates allegations of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence involving children. Interviews of children in these areas often require expertise to limit having additional emotional distress placed on the child while ensuring that necessary relevant information is obtained for all stakeholders. An appropriate venue is required to accommodate children’s needs in a non-threatening environment.
Forensic interviews are a highly specialized field. The FPD has had great success working with the FHC to obtain thorough interviews of child victims that allow perpetrators of crimes against children to be held accountable for their actions. FHC’s specialized expertise is recognized by the District Attorney’s Office and the Superior Court allowing them to legally provide these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The services extend to interviewees who may be deaf, hard of hearing or developmentally delayed.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This contract amendment is not a “project” for the purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section §15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference does not apply as this is an amendment of an existing agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for these services was included in the Department’s approved FY 17 budget.
Attachments:
First Amendment to Agreement
Agreement with Family Healing Center