Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to, and acceptance of grant funding from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to continue Austin’s Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant Program, FY2027. Funding in the amount of $474,448 is available from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, Evidence Testing Grant Program. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $474,448 is available from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Evidence Testing Grant Program, Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Project upon award, for the project period September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027. A City funding match is not required.
Prior Council Action:
September 25, 2025 - Council approved Resolution No. 20250925-046 to accept grant funding from the Coverdell award to continue the Austin Police Department Crime Lab Enhancement Project.
For More Information:
Dr Dana Kadavy, Director, Austin Forensic Science, (512) 974-5118.
Additional Backup Information:
The Office of the City Manager reviewed this grant for alignment as directed by Resolution No. 20200611-096 and recommends approval.
This is the eighth year of the Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant Program. This action will provide the resolution required by the Criminal Justice Division to apply for and accept $474,448 in grant funding. The project period is September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027. A City match is not required.
Criminal Justice Division funding for the Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Project will allow the City to contract with outside laboratories to complete the DNA testing of sexual assault kits, buccal swabs, and additional items to aid in casework investigations. The project also provides overtime for CODIS Administrators to perform required technical review and eligible profile uploads into the National database, as well as funding to cover costly analytical reagent kits required for sexual assault evidence testing. This funding will provide for DNA testing of over 475 pieces of sexual assault evidence using newly and previously collected samples.
The grantor requires a resolution approved by the governing body that addresses items 1-5 below:
1. Authorization by the governing body for the submission of the application to the Office of the Governor that clearly identifies the name of the project for which funding is requested;
2. A commitment to provide all applicable matching funds;
3. A designation of the name and/or title of an authorized official who is given the authority to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant (Note: If a name is provided, the applicant must update the resolution should the official change during the grant period.);
4. A designation of the name and/or title of the financial officer who is given the power to submit financial and/or programmatic reports or alter a grant on behalf of the applicant; and
5. A written assurance that, in the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the governing body will return all funds to Office of the Governor.