TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Amanda Gibbs, Chief Probation Officer
REPORT BY: Ferlyn Buenafe, Probation Administration Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Fraiser Group Investigations
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 270003B with Michael Frasier, doing business as Frasier Group Investigations, for a term through June 30, 2029 and a maximum compensation of $37,000 per fiscal year, to conduct pre-employment background investigations of prospective employees in the Probation Department. (Fiscal Impact: $37,000 Expense; General Fund; Budgeted; Mandatory)
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BACKGROUND
Frasier Group Investigations provides pre-employment investigations of prospective employees in Probation and Juvenile Hall. California Code Section 1029 requires that pre-employment background investigations must be completed for peace officers.
Frasier Group Investigations (FGI) was established in 2003 made up of retired and former law enforcement and public safety offices with extensive investigative experience and training. The contractor provides their service to police, sheriff, probation, corrections and fire service agencies.
Pre-employment background investigations commence for those prospective law enforcement employees considered for employment. There are three (3) background investigation tiers.
Level II investigations are modified pre-employment background investigation for non-direct service public safety personnel, i.e., Cook, Food Service Director, Staff Services Analyst, Probation Administrative Manager. Level III background investigations are for direct service personnel working directly with Adult probationers and Juvenile youth. Level IV background investigations are for direct service personnel requiring out-of-town or out-of-state overnight travel for FGI.
Every law enforcement candidate receiving either a Level III or Level IV tier will be subject to a thorough background investigation to verify good moral character and identify past behaviors that may indicate the candidate’s suitability to perform the duties of the Department position.
Probation sworn officers are required to have these background investigations prior to hiring. These investigations include in-home investigations; background synopsis; subject photograph; interviews with the candidate, relatives and former landlords; collection of degrees; transcripts and other relevant documents.
In addition to regular full-time employees, the Department must conduct background investigations for Extra Help staff. Extra Help staff is primarily for the Juvenile Hall to assist in providing 24-hour staff coverage. The contractor also provides the Probation Department with consultation services as requested by the Department to assist in interpreting the findings.
Requested Action:
Approve and authorize Agreement 270003B with Michael Frasier, doing business as Frasier Group Investigations, with a contract maximum of $37,000 per Fiscal Year, for the term July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with a two-year automatic annual renewal to conduct pre-employment background investigations of
prospective employees in the Probation Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Probation and Juvenile Hall (1420000 and 1421000) |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Probation does not have the resources to provide pre-employment investigations for prospective employees of the department. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The agreement contains an automatic two-year renewal clause which allows the County the option to continue services each fiscal year. Appropriation will be budgeted accordingly. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The Department would not be in compliance with California Government Code Section 1029. Probation staff do not have the necessary experience or time availability to complete the pre-employment background investigations and would not have accurate information to make wise hiring decisions. |
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Additional Information: |
Strategic Initiative: Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence |
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.