To: Board of Supervisors
From: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Report Title: State of California Office of Traffic Safety Grant FFY2026
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution authorizing the Sheriff-Coroner, or designee, to apply for, accept and approve grant funding, including amendments and extensions, pursuant to the grant guidelines, with the California Office of Traffic Safety, with an initial amount of $210,000 for the Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Unit to purchase new updated instrumentation for the blood alcohol program, for the initial period of October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this request will result in an initial State revenue of $210,000. There is no County match requirement for this grant.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Division (FSD) operates an ISO 17025 ANAB Accredited Crime Laboratory able to provide County-wide Forensic Toxicological testing services.
The FSD’s Alcohol Unit is responsible for the analysis of blood and urine evidence for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI) cases. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant funds are needed to ensure efficient processing and analysis of DUI-related offenses. The OTS Grant funds will be used to purchase new equipment that works with instrumentation used for detection of alcohol and other volatile substances. New updated testing equipment will allow the FSD to meet current accreditation and state (Title 17) guidelines. The OTS grant funds will also provide consumable support for the Alcohol and Toxicology units.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The new equipment is required for continuity of operations. If the Board does not approve, without the new equipment, some requests for analysis will be sent to an accredited outside laboratory. Analysis performed by an outside laboratory creates an increased burden and cost to Contra Costa County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office when the case is prosecuted.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
.
IN THE MATTER OF Applying for and Accepting a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa is seeking funds available through the State of California Office of Traffic Safety
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors: Authorize the Sheriff-Coroner, Undersheriff, or the Sheriff’s Chief of Management Services, to execute for and on behalf of the County of Contra Costa, a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining State financial assistance including grant modification and extensions provided by the State of California Office of Traffic Safety Grant.
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