AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: WAYNE BYERLEY
POLICE CHIEF
SUBJECT:
title
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RCS INVESTIGATIONS & CONSULTING, LLC, FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND AND PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIONS
summary
Summary:
In February 2014, the City entered into a professional services agreement with RCS Investigations & Consulting, Limited Liability Corporation (RCS) to conduct administrative investigations (Internal Affairs Investigations) and background investigations for both sworn and non-sworn Signal Hill Police Department (Police Department) employees over a five-year term. Since the start of the previous contract, the City has executed two amendments to increase the not-to-exceed amount and extend the contract term, which was in effect through June 30, 2024.
The City Council will consider entering into a new service agreement, with RCS for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2026. The service agreement would also allow for three one-year extensions with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness
Goal No. 5 High Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services
recommendation
Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a two-year Professional Services Agreement, with three additional one-year extensions, with RCS Investigations & Consulting, Limited Liability Corporation, to provide investigative and background services, for a not-to-exceed annual amount of $50,000, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
body
Fiscal Impact:
The Fiscal Year 2024-2025 adopted budget includes an appropriation of $50,000 for Police Department investigations services. Based on the historical service levels and the new proposed rates, the current budget allocation remains sufficient. The new two-year service agreement would have the following rate increases:
Background and Analysis:
RCS has provided expert investigative services for the Police Department for more than a decade. The Police Department relies on RCS for applicant background investigations and police Internal Affairs (IA) investigations, both highly specialized and critical fields. A key distinction of RCS is its team of retired law enforcement professionals, whose extensive training and years of experience within police departments contribute to their expertise in handling complex investigations with precision and professionalism.
The depth of experience within the RCS team ensures thorough, reliable investigations that consistently meet the rigorous standards required by the department and by law. RCS’s deep understanding of the department's expectations for new hires stems from years of partnership and communication with the Police Department. The RCS team collaborates closely with the Police Department’s hiring manager, providing regular updates on ongoing investigations and backgrounds. RCS also proactively informs the hiring manager when they determine a candidate does not align with the department’s standards and requirements.
RCS specializes in applicant background investigations, a process that can take six months to a year. Ensuring uninterrupted service during these investigations is essential to maintain public safety. Currently, the Police Department is processing two applicants at different stages of the background investigation process, while actively working to fill nine additional sworn and professional vacancies and has open investigations in progress. RCS distinguishes itself as one of the few vendors that exclusively hires retired law enforcement officers, ensuring a high standard of integrity, expertise and professionalism.
The proposed agreement would ensure a continuity of services through June 30, 2026, with the option to renew the agreement for three one-year extensions to maintain the continuity and quality of investigative services provided by RCS. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be conducted prior to the end of this service agreement to ensure the City continues to secure competitive pricing, while maintaining uninterrupted services.
Considering RCS’s long and successful performance with the City, and the continued need for hiring and current outstanding investigations, staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with a two-year term through June 30, 2026, with the option to extend the agreement for three, one-year terms.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachment:
A. RCS Investigations & Consulting, LLC - Contract Services Agreement