REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Captain Kevin Johnson and Lieutenant Julio Mendez
Subject:
title
Report on the expansion of the Huntington Beach Police Department's Computer Forensic Laboratory and explore the feasibility of developing a Huntington Beach Police Department DNA laboratory
body
Statement of Issue:
At the request of Councilmen Butch Twining and Andrew Gruel, the Huntington Beach City Council, at its June 3, 2025 meeting, directed staff to research the feasibility of increasing the size of the HBPD computer forensic laboratory and developing a full-service DNA laboratory within the department.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Direct staff to research grants and other funding opportunities through the state and federal government and return in the first quarter of 2026 to report on possible funding sources.
end
Alternative Action(s):
Direct staff accordingly
Analysis:
DNA - Forensic Biology Unit
DNA identification is one of the most effective ways to solve crimes. The City of Huntington Beach contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) for forensic laboratory services.
DNA evidence collected at a crime scene by the Huntington Beach Police Department is analyzed by OCSD.
Due to high demand from multiple agencies, the turnaround time for forensic results can range from several months up to a year, impacting the speed and effectiveness of investigations. When HBPD submits evidence to the OCSD Laboratory, there is a minimum 9 month waiting period before HBPD receives the results of the DNA examination. In most cases, the waiting period is well over 12 months. During this period, potential suspects may continue committing crimes against Huntington Beach residents while the HBPD awaits completion of the lab work.
Computer Forensics
In al...
Click here for full text