RESPONSE
TO 2000-01 SAN MATEO COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORT-
SAN MATEO COUNTY FORENSICS LABORATORY (CRIME LAB)
January 29, 2001
Recommendation 3.1
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors should take all necessary steps
to ensure the building of a new county forensics laboratory that meets
all seismic standards, federal and state standards for forensic science
laboratories, the Americans With Disabilities Act requirements, and all
health and safety codes.
Response to Recommendation 3.1
The Board of Supervisors, County Manager's Office and the Sheriff have
worked extensively to inventory the deficiencies of the existing Forensics
Laboratory; identify a site location, facility program plan, and a construction
solution for a replacement facility; and supported both state and local
legislation to provide bond financing for the proposed facility. A chronology
of major milestones is useful:
July, 1998 - A brief preliminary study of the existing laboratory
facility is commissioned and completed by SHG Southwest, Inc., entitled
Sheriff's Forensic Laboratory: Assessment of Existing Facilities. This
early report lays the groundwork for more extensive analysis and design
work over the next two years.
January, 1999 - A Working Committee to find solutions for the
Forensics Laboratory problem is formed and begins meeting. The Committee
was composed of representatives from the Sheriff's Office, County Manager's
Office - Facilities Planning, Public Works Department, and eventually
came to include additional representatives from the Coroner's Office,
Public Safety Communications Division, and Office of Emergency Services.
March 30, 1999 - the Board of Supervisors reviews a report from
the Sheriff detailing the need for replacement or rebuilding of the existing
forensic laboratory, and approves the release of an Request For Proposals
(RFP) for a Needs Assessment, Site Evaluation and Design/Cost Study for
the Laboratory.
July 13, 1999 - The Board of Supervisors adopts Resolution 62958,
authorizing execution of an Agreement with Turner Construction Company
& Associates for the forensic laboratory study, in the amount of $193,500.
July - December, 1999 - Turner Construction completes work on
the project design report, in conjunction with their associates on the
project, the architectural firm of Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc.;
Earl Walls Associates (crime lab design specialists); and the Warner Group
(communications specialists). The study proposes two options for the Board
of Supervisor's consideration: a consolidated Forensic Laboratory/Emergency
Services Complex located in the Redwood City County Government Center
campus, or a Forensic Laboratory (with Coroner's Office space) at the
Crystal Springs Tower Road campus.
December 7th, 1999 - the Board of Supervisors accepts the Turner
report, and indicates preliminary preference for the Redwood City consolidated
Complex option. The project team is directed to return with site/facility
design documents and financing options for the project.
February 20, 2000 - the Board of Supervisors approves Resolution
63450, authorizing an amendment to the existing contract with Turner Construction
for the preparation of more detailed design documents, pending the outcome
of an evaluation of financing options, primary among which is a bond measure.
March, 2000 - Proposition 15 is on the March statewide Primary
Election ballot, which would provide statewide funding for renovation
of County Forensics laboratories. The ballot measure unfortunately fails
statewide, although it passes in San Mateo County by a 54% to 46% vote.
August 8, 2000 - The Board of Supervisors adopts Resolution 63835,
calling for a County bond election on the November ballot for the proposition
of financing $13 Million in bonded indebtedness for the construction of
a forensics laboratory.
November, 2000 - the November Presidential Ballot for San Mateo
County contains Measure B, which is endorsed by the Sheriff, the District
Attorney, the Board of Supervisors, and the County Police Chiefs. There
are no printed ballot arguments in opposition to Measure B.
Recommendation 3.2
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors should collaborate with the
director of the San Mateo County Forensics Laboratory and the county Sheriff
to ensure that the appropriate equipment needed in a high-tech forensics
laboratory building is provided for in the new building.
Response to Recommendation 3.2
The November, 1999 Needs Assessment, Design Program and Site Evaluation
report prepared by Turner Construction and Associates includes an inventory
and estimates for fornsic lab furnishings and moveable equipment. The
cost estimate is approximately $1.1 million. Additionally, certain existing
equipment at the current lab, some of which is relatively new, would also
be relocated to a new facility.
Recommendation 3.3
The San Mateo County Sheriff, the director of the Forensics Laboratory,
and the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors should give high priority
to informing San Mateo County voters and the media of the importance of
a modern, high-tech forensics laboratory in San Mateo County.
Response to Recommendation 3.3
An extensive speaking tour and media campaign has been mounted in support
of Measure B through the work of the independent San Mateo County Citizens
for Crime Reduction - YES on Measure B Committee. This includes full-page
endorsements by the principal law enforcement and legislative supporters,
and speaking appearances before virtually every public, private and non-profit
group in the County. Additionally, several newspapers and a local television
station have run articles and stories featuring the Lab, and pointing
out the need for a new facility. The editorial boards of local media have
supported Measure B. |