COUNTYWIDE : County Backs Plan to Fund Crime Labs
Legislation designed to fund an expansion of fingerprint, photograph and genetic identification databases in Ventura and other counties has been endorsed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
By doubling the amount of money counties could collect on fines levied by the courts, the pending legislation would provide funds for an electronic photograph and fingerprint scanners and a DNA identification system.
Ventura County is now collecting 50 cents for every $10 on all criminal fines for a statewide fingerprint database.
If passed, the legislation will allow the Sheriff’s Department to use the additional money to purchase electronic scanners that would give law enforcement officials instant access to mug shots and fingerprints entered into the system, Lt. John Brockus said.
The funds would also be used to create a laboratory to carry out DNA analysis.
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