DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Operator Training and Support for Breath Alcohol Testing Services
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) to execute a contract with the Alamo Forensic Services, L.L.C, to provide training and recertification for officers that operate the Intoxilyzer - a breath testing instrument, maintain the Intoxilyzer instrument, and provide court testimony when needed. The contract is for $60,000 per year for three years, to begin upon award, with two additional one-year renewal options (five years maximum), in an amount up to $300,000.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In March 2017, the SAPD hired Mrs. Debra Stephens, of Alamo Forensic Services, L.L.C, on a monthly basis, to 1) provide training and recertification for officers that operate the Intoxilyzer - a breath testing instrument, 2) maintain the Intoxilyzer instrument and 3) provide court testimony when needed.
The Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Office of the Scientific Director (OSD) administers the regulations and qualifications related to the certification and approval of all aspects of forensic breath alcohol testing, as well as certify qualified forensic scientists as Technical Supervisors. The Technical Supervisor's primary purpose is to provide technical, administrative and supervisory expertise in safeguarding the scientific integrity of the breath alcohol testing program and assure the acceptability of the forensic breath analysis in legal proceedings. Alamo Forensics Services, L.L.C., is the sole certified Technical Supervisor for the San Antonio area, per the DPS OSD. The prior provider of this service, from 1983-2014, is no longer in business.
Currently, Alamo Forensics Services serves as the training/recertification instructor for approximately 40-60 police officers on a monthly basis and conducts this training at the SAPD Police Aca...
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