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11. AGREEMENT WITH SCOTTSDALE HEALTHCARE, DBA FORENSIC NURSE EXAMINERS TO PERFORM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXAMINATIONS Approve an agreement with Scottsdale Healthcare, DBA Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE), to aid in the investigation and prosecution of intimate partner domestic violence involving strangulation. The term of the agreement begins effective upon approval of the Board of Supervisors, and terminates after a six month pilot period, May 30, 2012, unless otherwise extended, or amended. The cost for examinations performed during the pilot project are estimated to be at least $24,000. These monies are not budgeted, but will be absorbed by the County Attorney’s (100) General Fund (190) recurring (0000) operating budget. Scottsdale Healthcare, through the FNE, will provide specially trained medical personnel to conduct examinations of victims of intimate partner domestic violence and sexual assault and abuse and gather evidence for use in the investigation of criminal cases and prosecution of offenders. Authorize the Chairman to sign any and all documents related to this action. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has had similar agreements with Scottsdale Healthcare in the past. This program is necessitated by adoption of revisions to State Statute elevating certain types of domestic violence to the level of a felony. Domestic violence is a serious issue in the community and this change in statute provides law enforcement and prosecutors a means to aggressively pursue offenders and potentially save lives. The County Attorney requests that the Board of Supervisors approve this pilot project so that the impact can be studied before further implementation. These services are vital to the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of domestic violence. The County Attorney is able to absorb the costs of the initial pilot ($24,000). After review of the results from the pilot, a better understanding of the financial impact will help determine future funding needs. (C-19-12-026-3-00)