Report Prepared by: Leone Pintabona, Police Lieutenant, City of Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Enter into a Three (3) Year Agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to Provide Specialized SART Exams from August 1, 2026 Through July 31, 2029
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers entering into a three (3) year agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to provide specialized SART exams from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a three-year agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to provide specialized SART exams; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Title 3 Article III Purchases Over Thirty-Nine Thousand Dollars.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Adopted Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department currently relies on Forensic Nurse Specialists of Nor CA, LLC to conduct local forensic examinations (SART) for victims and suspects of sexual assault. While there is an alternate contract with a forensic nurse in Fresno, CA, many victims are reluctant to travel an hour for their examination. Additionally, suspects require an officer to remain with them during the exam before booking, which adds to the burden on law enforcement. Utilizing a local forensic nursing service improves access to resources for victims and helps to reduce overtime and the need for officers to transport suspects.
Merced PD has been in contract with the Forensic Nurse Specialists of Nor CA, LLC for the past year. Throughout this contract there have been no conflictual issues that were not able to be resolved. In 2 cases where the City of Merced was billed for outside agency requests, Forensic Nurses has without issue amended the contract to make the outside agencies responsible for all costs incurred.
Each exam per the agreement will cost between $500 and $3,000 depending on the type of exam. Partial reimbursement for Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exams is available through the California Office of Emergency Services, with reimbursement estimates of $1,127 per exam. During the 25/26 fiscal year from July 1,2025 to June 30, 2026, the Merced Police Department spent $67,000, an average of $5583 per month for exams. The Merced Police Department has submitted requests and received reimbursements in the amount of $36,064 for SART exam services provided from January 2025 - June 2026.
The Merced Police Department has negotiated a $250 deduction on all SART exams which should help to reduce costs along with the Cal OES reimbursements.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No budget appropriation is needed. The expected revenue and related expenses are included in the fiscal year 2026-27 adopted budget of the Police Department. Funding for additional years will be added during the annual budgeting process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Forensic Nurse Specialist SART Agreement 2026-2029