To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Defender
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Professional Services Agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations for Investigative Services Related to California’s Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing Law
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations;
2. Authorize the Public Defender, or a designee thereof to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one fully executed original copy of the attached professional services agreement with the professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations to the Public Defender.
BodySOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Board of State and Community Corrections Resentencing Pilot Program
General Fund (1100219)
DISCUSSION
On June 28, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 128, Chapter 21, Statues of 2021,item 5227-115-0001, that provides counties with funding to implement a Resentencing Pilot Program pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 1170 of the California Penal Code. The County of Humboldt, along with eight (8) other California counties, was selected to engage in the three-year program beginning Sept. 1, 2021. The goal of the project is to redress the harm caused by mass incarceration and excessive sentences by allowing a “second look” at past prison sentences that may no longer be in the interest of justice by asking the court to recall sentences and resentence eligible inmates who pose no threat to public safety.
The attached professional services agreement will allow the public defender to hire an experienced investigator to interview eligible inmates and their families, obtain documents from various agencies, and assist deputy public defenders in preparing resentencing recommendations as required for the pilot program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In October 2021, the Public Defender Office (“PD) received $240,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections for costs associated with participating in the Pilot Resentencing Program. These funds are included in the recommended fiscal year 2022-23 Public Defender budget, 1100219. Expenditure appropriations related to the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations will not impact the County General fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for improved safety and health, and seeking outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County citizens.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the agreement; however, this alternative is not recommended. The approval of the agreement is critical for the Public Defender Office to effectively participate in California’s Resentencing Pilot Program.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Professional Services Agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A