Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Mayor of the City of Columbus to accept a grant award in the amount of $30,000.00 from the State of Ohio, Department of Public Safety Office of Criminal Justice Services (“OCJS”) for a Digital Forensics Upgrade project and to appropriate the funds needed to cover the costs of the program.
On February 1, 2013, OCJS released the ARRA JAG Special Solicitation for Law Enforcement Request for Proposals, resulting from ARRA JAG program overage funding. The Columbus Division of Police (“CPD”) identified an eligible project to be completed within the short 5 month award period, effective April 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013. CPD submitted a proposal, on behalf of the Computer Crimes Digital Forensic Unit, seeking to upgrade and expand evidence examination and recovery capabilities through the purchase of new forensic laboratory computer equipment, software updates and data storage supplies. The Digital Forensic Unit personnel use specialized computer equipment to unlock, extract and evaluate digital evidence (ie: seized computers/cell phones/iPads, etc.) for investigation and prosecution purposes. This grant award will increase the unit’s ability to process forensic casework with new software and equipment.
Acceptance of the grant for the proposed project upgrades and enhancements will maximize the city’s ability to examine and efficiently process the growing digital forensic casework and to continue providing necessary services to local, regional and federal partners, keeping pace with the latest technological advancements used in criminal activity.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is necessary for funds to be available for the project activities at the earliest possible time because the authorized activity period started April 1, 2013 and has a short 5 month award period.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an appropriation of $30,000.00 in the General Government Grant Fund for an agree...
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