Primary Department: Sheriff
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Gonzalez
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): 5722701
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Office of the Governor/Criminal Justice Division
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 5 %
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Rate is not 0% and is listed above.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Sheriff's Office for approval to submit an application to the Texas Office of the Governor/Criminal Justice Division for grant funds in the amount of $158,000, with no required match, for the FY27 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program.
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Background and Discussion:
The purpose of this funding is for projects that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiners services as well as projects seeking to address emerging forensic science The application is still in progress. The grant period for this award is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Expected Impact:
HCSO will tentatively seek funding for a NIBIN machine and/or associated upgrades and software. This grant would enable the Sheriff's Office to improve its crime laboratory and investigations.
Alternative Options:
Not applying for this grant would forfeit the funding opportunity to upgrade forensic capabilities.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: A: Reduce violent crime across the County.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative...
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