To: Board of Supervisors
From: Probation
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
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Request for Proposals No. 2023-01 regarding Juvenile and Adult Electronic Monitoring
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve and authorize the Humboldt County Probation Department (HCPD) to advertise and distribute the attached Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit electronic monitoring services for juveniles and adults;
2. Authorize staff to review the proposals in accordance with the criteria contained in the RFP, evaluate any proposal received, and select the proposal that best meets the needs of the county; and
3. Direct staff to return to your Board to request approval of the selected proposal.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Probation, Prop 172 Funding (1/2 percent sales tax for public safety)
1100-235-504300
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt Probation Department (HCPD) operates a juvenile home supervision program as required by Section 840 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. HCPD also operates a Supervised Release Program (SRP) as part of the county’s AB 109 realignment plan. Both juvenile and adult probation supervision programs have historically utilized electronic monitoring (EM) as an additional form of oversight and in lieu of detention or incarceration. EM serves as a component of probation supervision to promote public safety and increase successful supervision completion outcomes. Probation’s current use of EM allows eligible juveniles to serve their detention commits at home and reduces overcrowding in Juvenile Hall. Similarly, the release of adult offenders from custody to EM, assists in reducing overcrowding in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, and increases offenders’ accountability upon release from custody. Adult offenders placed on EM are more likely to comply with the terms and conditions of supervision and keep court appearances and appointments. Additionally, EM services allows Probation the ability to monitor high-risk offenders and registered sex offenders.
The County of Humboldt, by and through its Probation Department (HCPD), is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified and experienced organizations for the provision of electronic monitoring services for the county.
The ability of the Probation Department to operate and manage successful electronic monitoring programs requires a reliable vendor to provide electronic monitoring equipment and services that meet the minimum criteria set forth in the RFP. HCPD has been providing these services for a number of years as an alternative to dentition for adults and juveniles, allowing them to continue to attend school and work, and remain in their homes and communities. Electronic monitoring systems include radio frequency to offender via landline phone, cellular transmitter, and global positioning system. Proposer shall have the ability to provide 24-Hour Monitoring including but not limited to:
• Monitoring all participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Notify the County by phone when a participant has been Absent Without Official Leave “AWOL” or has violated an exclusion or inclusion zone.
The county intends to award a 3-year contract (with options for two, 1-year extensions) to an outside vendor(s) selected as most qualified in meeting the programming needs of the county.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Humboldt County Probation Department has already included funds in the proposed FY 23/24 budget sufficient to cover the cost of this contract in 1100-235-2118. There is no supplemental budget needed at this time, and no impact to the county general fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Enforce laws and regulations to protect residents
New Initiatives: Manage our resources to ensure sustainability of services
Strategic Plan: N/A
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may opt not to allow the advertisement and distribution of the RFP however this alterative is not recommended. Humboldt County Probation Department has a current Electronic Monitoring contract which is set to expire September 30, 2023, and without a contract for these services HCPD would be unable to provide electronic monitoring services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Request for Proposal 2023-01 for Juvenile and Adult Electronic Monitoring
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A