title
Authorize the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $14,740 from The Trustees of the Craig Thompson Environmental Prosecution Fund dated February 24, 2026; Approve the fixed asset purchase in the amount of $14,740 for an HD low light camera and accessories for District Attorney’s Office - Consumer Unit; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing $14,740 in grant revenue for the fixed asset purchase (4/5 vote required)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $14,740 from The Trustees of the Craig Thompson Environmental Prosecution Fund dated February 24, 2026;
2. Approve the fixed asset purchase in the amount of $14,740 for an HD low light camera and accessories for District Attorney’s Office - Consumer Unit; and
3. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing $14,740 in grant revenue for the fixed asset purchase (4/5 vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The District Attorney’s Office applied for a grant from Craig Thompson Environmental Prosecution Fund on January 28, 2026 in the amount of $14,740 for the purchase of a Modular surveillance system with an HD Low Light camera, integrated base, hard drive, recording software, QuickGlance interface, and cellular modem. The department was notified on February 24, 2026 that the grant application #2026-02 was approved.
Environmental crimes such as illegal cannabis cultivation, unlawful water diversion, hazardous waste dumping, and destruction of sensitive habitat are typically conducted in remote or semi-rural areas and involve organized, ongoing operations. These crimes cause long-term damage to natural resources, contaminate waterways, threaten wildlife, and create public safety hazards through the use of unregulated chemicals and improper waste disposal.
A fixed-position pole camera system is a critical investigative tool that will significantly enhance the agency’s ability to detect, document, and prosecute these offenses. The camera will enable investigators to conduct long-term, covert monitoring of exterior areas associated with suspected environmental crimes without requiring constant physical surveillance. This capability is particularly important in rugged terrain and isolated locations where traditional surveillance is resource-intensive, unsafe, and easily compromised. The use of the requested equipment will directly support the investigation and prosecution of violations of state and federal environmental and natural resource laws, while also helping to prevent further ecological damage.
This equipment will provide the following operational benefits:
• Continuous documentation of suspect activity, including vehicle traffic, supply deliveries, and disposal of waste materials.
• Identification of individuals involved in illegal operations.
• Establishment of timelines and patterns of activity necessary to support search warrants and successful prosecution.
• Reduction in manpower costs and risk to personnel by limiting the need for prolonged in person surveillance.
• Preservation of evidence that may otherwise be lost due to the transient nature of environmental crime sites.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The District Attorney’s Office received an award in the amount of $14,740 on February 24, 2026 from the Craig Thompson Environmental Protection Prosecution Fund. This award was not included in the FY2025/26 Adopted Budget. The Solano County District Attorney’s Office plans to use the award for the fixed asset purchase of a Modular surveillance system with HermitCam HD Low Light PTZ camera and integrated base with 4TB hard drive, recording software, QuickGlance interface, and cellular modem and various necessary accessories.
An ATR is required to recognize the grant revenue and to appropriate the fixed asset expense into the District Attorney’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to accept this grant. This will prevent the Solano County District Attorney from receiving the funding from The Trustees of the Craig Thompson Environmental Prosecution Fund and from purchasing the Modular surveillance system which will directly support the investigation and prosecution of violations of state and federal environmental and natural resource laws, while also helping to prevent further ecological damage; therefore, this alternative is not recommended.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION