2011 Mar 28 Ph 4: 13 Orange Countyboard of Supervisors County of Orange California*

Recommendations 4

• R1
  Support a Revision of the California Penal Code: Orange County should join other counties in supporting a revision of the California Penal code that would eliminate or modify the Inconclusive finding. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. SSA will request that the CWDA agendize, for discussion, the issue of revision of the California Penal Code as it relates to the Inconclusive finding at the meeting to be held on January 13, 2011. Current Status: The recommendation has been implemented. In October 2010, SSA submitted a proposal to the County Welfare Director's Association (CWDA) Children's Committee, Policy Committee, and Operations Committee requesting amendment to the California Penal Code to eliminate the current requirement for submission of Inconclusive findings of child abuse and severe neglect to the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). Although in December 2010, SSA was notified by CWDA that the proposal was reviewed and CWDA declined to support the recommendation. SSA continues to work with Orange County CEO/Legislative Affairs Office to pursue the proposal to revise the Penal Code. Lobbying: The Shadow Government Report: Released: June 9, 2010
• R2
  Annual Cost Analysis-OC Crime Lab: The County Internal Auditor should conduct an annual cost analysis as to what it would cost for the Orange County Crime Lab to analyze the DNA samples collected by the Orange Count District Attorney that are now being sent to Bode Technology Group, Inc. of Virginia. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. The Internal Audit Department currently does not have the audit resources to allow for an annual cost analysis as recommended. Funding availability for a cost analysis could be considered during the Strategic Financial Plan process in the fall of 2010. Current Status: The recommendation has been implemented. Internal Audit conducted a preliminary survey on whether the Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) can process and analyze the DNA samples being collected by the Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) on a low cost comparable basis to what the OCDA currently pays to Bode Technology Group Inc. of Virginia. After conducting interviews and discussing relevant and critical cost information related to the OCDA's contract with Bode it was determined that the OCCL was not competitive with Bode on either the price or the volume of samples being processed for the OCDA. There are some very important differences in the type of sample and the context of its collection that make the two operations so different so as to be really outside an easy or ready comparison. It was concluded that OCCL is not a competitive, commercial business which processes "standard" DNA samples in a wholesale fashion like Bode. The Internal Audit Department does not see the benefit of performing this review on an annual basis. Annual Cost Analysis-DA Database: Annually review the costs associated with
• R3
  collections, analysis and uploading DNA profiles in the Orange County's District Attorney's database with a view toward instituting or raising fees from individuals, cities, or any others who request access to the database. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. The Internal Audit Department currently does not have the audit resources to allow for an annual review as recommended. Funding availability for a cost analysis could be considered during the Strategic Financial Plan process in the fall of 2010. Current Status: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. The Internal Audit Department does not see the benefit of performing this review on an annual basis. DA DNA Unit Review: The County of Orange Internal Audit should review the
• R4
  District Attorney's DNA unit to determine the actual costs associated with this specialized unit, including the collection and processing of DNA samples, and the operations and maintenance of the database, including updating of the software. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. The Internal Audit Department currently does not have the audit resources to allow for a review as recommended. Funding availability for a cost analysis could be considered during the Strategic Financial Plan process in the fall of 2010. Current Status: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. The Internal Audit Department does not see the benefit of performing this review on an annual basis. Report: Child Abuse Central Index Released: June 15, 2010