1.10

INTRADEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE

January 5, 2010

TO: The Honorable Board of Police Commissioners

FROM: Chief of Police

SUBJECT: APPROV AL OF DONATION

RECOMMENDED ACTION

That the Board of Police Commissioners approve the donation of Firearm and Firearm Support Reference Catalogs for Scientific Investigation Division, Firearm Analysis Unit.

DONOR INFORMATION: ITEM: AMOUNTNALUE:

Los Angeles Police Foundation (#287-09) Ms. Karen Wagener, President 515 South Flower Street, Suite 1680 Los Angeles, California 90071 (213) 489-4636

$5,100.00

DISCUSSION

The donation will benefit the Firearm Analysis Unit by providing critical reference materials for investigations of officer-involved shootings and of criminal cases. Providing analysts with the firearm and ammunition references, catalogs, out of print manuals and detailed design information, directly impacts the accuracy, thoroughness and timelines of the firearm investigations completed.

Administrative Services Bureau has reviewed the donation and determined that it has been submitted in accordance with Section 5.467 et seq. of the Los Angeles Administrative Code, which provides for the receipt and acceptance ofdonations to the Police Department.

32592Text BoxBOPC No. 10-0026

1.10

The Honorable Board of Police Commissioners Page 2

If you have any questions, please contact Chief Forensic Chemist Doreen Hudson, Scientific Investigation Division, at (323) 415-8114.

Respectfully,

CA..~ ~2?Z1..

CHARLIE BECK Chiefof Police

Attachments

fNTRADEPART.MENT.ATION GRANT REQUEST

Jt is requested thai Scientific TI1\'titi"ativn Division be appro\'ed for Los AngeJesPalice Foundation Gt'ant funds. ApprovAl of tltis grallt benefits the' Department by pro\

5Ui S. Flower St, Sle. 1680. Los Angeles, CA 90071 Phone: (213)489-4636 Los Angeles Police Fax: (213)489-4697 ,.,,'j ['V{Foundation o',' '- ,",btyan@lapolicefoundaUon.org !

To: ATSa From: Beth Ryan I Angela CoOins

Fax: 213-485-8125 Pages: + cover sheet

Phone: 213-485-32n Date: February 4, 2009

Re: Grant Request # 2009-010 cc:

Attached is the latest grant request.

Grant Application received: January 22

Grant Received from: Scientific Investigative Division/Firearms Analysis Unit

Contact: Vanessa Gould

Phone#: (323) 415-8160

Grant Name: Firearm and Firearm Support Reference Catalogs

Grant Amount: $5,100.00

Please Fax this information to Administrative and Technical Services Bureau at 213485-8125 or if you have any questions, please contact us at 213-485-3277. Thank you.

mailto:btyan@lapolicefoundaUon.org

2009 GRANT APPLICATION

Grant Number ___________ (office use only)

Date: May 18. 2009 Amount Requested:$._-=5r!!J.,.=.;10=0~_____

Contact Name(s): Doreen Hudson

DepartmentJUnit: Scientific Investigation Division I Crimlnalistlcs Laboratory

Mailing Address:__...:!1~8~0:.ld:O"",!,P...!Joa!.li!s~e.!Lo.L;R~a~n~chL.l.lo~C:lII.as~t

" ., .

crime. Expert witnesses can use catalogs as demonstration aids to show jurors type of gun used in a crime. They can help to identify make, model and year of manufacture for virtually any gun made in the world. Such Information would assist LAPD laboratory personnel and detectives In solving crimes and identifying suspect firearms.

Rare and out of print catalogs are sold by collectors, on the open market, who have dedicated time and money to the collection and preservation of such reference materials. One of the most reputable dealers of firearms catalogs offered the LAPD an extensive collection of firearms and accessory catalogs for a fraction of their market value. To quote Mr. Nichols, "I wanted to provide these [reference materials] for the police department as it would be rewarding to me personally to contribute to something bigger than myself and as a gesture of appreciation for all that the department [has] done to protect my family and others." The 30year collection consists of over 3,400 catalogs from 265 firearms manufacturers and 71 manufacturers of firearms support products (lists included. The collection Is sorted by manufacturer, in alphabetical order, and housed in heavy-duty O-ring binders. Based on the current market value, this collection is approximately valued at $34,000 ($10 per catalog), but Mr. Nichols is offering it to the LAPD for $5,100 ($1.50 per catalog). In addition, he Is willing to provide an annual update of the catalogs for 3 years at no charge (additional years could be arranged).

FAU research determined that there are no similar collections In existence for sale or donation, and that even the most notable firearms organizations, such as the National Rifleman Association does not possess such an extensive collection. The purchase of this collection is an opportunity that might not be available In the future. Sample price information and Ebay seller feedback was carefully considered and is included in this request.

Has this program/equipment previously been requested through the city budget? 0 YES XNO If yes, please list the most recent date of submission and the result. ___________

If no, please explain the reason why It was not submitted. _It doesn't fit City purchasing guidellnes___

What objectives will be accomplished if the funding Is granted? This is the largest and most comprehensive firearms manufacturing catalog collection known to any forensic crime laboratory or professional organization In the world. This catalog collection would be a valuable compliment to the FAU's current firearm reference library. A wealth of Information would be easily accessible to the unit's examiners, trainees and pOlice officers which would otherwise not have been possible or attainable by alternative sources. This catalog collection would aid our examiners In time savings of searching for and verifying information. This resource would increase efficiency, productivity and quality of FAU performance which would Improve service to the LAPD and ultimately to the community.

How can the foundation evaluate success If the funding Is granted? (# of people served, objectives reached, surveys, etc.) Success would be measured by the Unit's frequency of use of the collection. The catalogs would be housed such that they were easy to naVigate and accessible. The FAU would Implement an access log In each binder to track and evaluate who uses the collection and for what purposes. In addition, the FAU trainers would incorporate the collection into the materials used by the trainees for their research and assignments. The trainers would monitor and report the benefit and use of the resources. In summary, the Pollce Foundation will receive feedback from the FAU In six months by assessing the data captured by the library log and the training reports.

515 S. Flower Street. Suite 1680 Los Angeles, CA 90071 213.489.4636

...·' "

Please list or attach an Itemized list for expenses or aquote from equipment manufacturer on vendor's letterhead. A formal proposal and Itemized list from Mr. Nichols is included with this application. Mr. Nichols sold approximately 1,000 catalogs on E-Bay at a return of $12,000. Based on the current market price, the value of the collection he is offering the FAU is approximately $30,000 to $40,000. To demonstrate the established market value of these catalogs, included with his proposal are the E-Bay records of Mr. Nichol's sales for a 60-day period. The majority of similar Individual catalogs found for sale are damaged, missing pages, etc. (and hence missing information critical to our purposes and goals). The collection Mr. Nichol's offers the FAU is Intact and well-maintained. In addition to market price, this collection has cost a Significant amount of time and money on Mr. Nichols's part. To obtaIn the catalogs, Mr. Nichols sent typed or hand written letters to hundreds of companies yearly for over 30 years. In addition to paying postage, he often had to send funds as well In order to receive the catalogs.

Has your commanding officer approved this request? DNOres Name of commanding officer: Yvette Sanchez-Owens

Signature of commanding officer: _~......:...l~_=-_________________

Send completed grant applicati n orm by fax (213) 489-4697 or email bryan@lapolicefoundatlon.org or call Beth Ryan at 1) 489-4636 with any questions, comments or concerns.

515 S. Flower Street. Suite 1680 los Angeles, CA 90071 213.489.4636

mailto:bryan@lapolicefoundatlon.org

2D09 GRANT APPLICATION

Grant Number _________ (office use only)

Date: March 18. 2009 Amount Requested: $__5"",&...!lo..l1lQ~0______

Contact Name(s): _----!D~o!£!r'-!lieilie.L!n..!.H.!.!u~d0!:i2s~o.L!n____________________

DepartmentJUnlt _---!S..c:clc!.i5enu;t!o!,Jlfi!.!,!ci:s..t.!Inu..:v!.Jeiiois!!..ti~gl!i!a:!.!tlut.v=-e-llp~iv~i!:il!s.lJoio~nul~CLJrjJ.1m.u.iunaldJll..!>isQtJ.)oic""s~L..:oa!.!llb:.xo;,t..:rall!.ltlolll!o~ryl--_____

Mailing Address:'__...;Il~8~O~O....lP-=a:.:::s;.ll:e.=.o...LR.=a~nr.:::cJ.1ho=-zC=a=stiI=la"",....:L=::o""'s.... e=le""'s:.a.. ...........90"""O""'3"""2=--______..... A=n..;g..... • ..:CA .....

Phone Number: __~(311t,12.",,3!.J.)--'4U1;l,&5...,:,-8""1--==lo,.L4_____ Fax Number: _---"(.lIIt.:32_3u.)...I:2:...t.7-"'6--.::1""'"9=42~_

E-mail Address: __...llIaI.:C9..::.9.:1:.90",@=la...,POO!duw.l~ac:=.:l.:..ltYr...o:..o"""r:....;g,---________________

Name of ProgramiEquipment requesting funding for: Firearm and Firearm Support Reference Catalogs

The following information has been provided to supplement information given in a grant proposal submiUed to the Los Angeles Poliee Foundation:

Information on Mr. Nichols (who is he, ete.):

A brief auto-biography on Mr. Nichols can be found in an attached document entitled "T. Nichols Bio.doc."

Inrormation on Mr. Nichols eHay history, reeords, member ID and reputation:

Infonnation on Mr. Nichols, his reputation and integrity as a vendor, is addressed in two attached documents

entitled "eBay Vendor Feedback.pdf' and "e8ay Sales Receipts.doc" of which include his e8ay history, sales

records. vendor reviews and member ID.

Has an LAPD member seen the collection?

Criminalist Aimee Bryan (N4421) has seen the entire collection and vouches for its integrity. Mr. Nichols

provided Miss Bryan with two exemp]ar binders of Colt catalogs (1976 to present). Photos of the binders and

the catalogs are provided in an attached document entitled "Catalog Pictures.doc."

If purchased, how would the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) possibly use/have access to this

collection?

The Los Angeles Regional Crime Laboratory is located in a shared facility used by the Los Angeles Sheritrs

Department (LASD). the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and California State University, Los Angeles

(CSULA). The LAPD-Firearms Analysis Unit (FAU) shares both specified laboratory equipment and space

with the LASD-Fircanns Analysis Unit (e.g. the test-firing range and the gun collection room). If the proposed

Fireann and Firearm Support Catalog Collection is purchased, the catalogs will be housed on the LAPD side of

the LAPD/LASD gun collection room in designated shelving units that are specifically designed and prepared

ror such a collection (see the attachment "Catalog Pictures.doc" for pictures ofthe shelving units). Upon

pennission from the LAPD-F AU. the LASD-Fireanns Analysis Unit could also benefit from Ihis Firearm and

Fireann Support Catalog Collection.

mailto:llIaI.:C9..::.9.:1:.90",@=la...,POO!duw.l~ac:=.:l.:..ltYr...o:..o"""r

The responses to the following quWns were gathered from senior mem"'tJlh of the Firearms Analysis Unit ofthe Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD-FAU); in addition, relevant portions of their Curriculum Vitae have been included:

How many eases do you complete a year for the LAPD-FAU?

In how many cases do you use reference materials?

How often do you use referenee/resources for your own knowledge and lor training?

How often would you use the proposed catalog collection if purcbased by the LAPD?

Diana K Paul Criminalist II, Los Angeles Police Department Scientific Investigation Division, Fireann Analysis Unit

Education Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, 1979

University of California, Los Angeles Master of Science, Criminalistics, 1987

California State University, Los Angeles

Certification ,

Diplomate. American Board ofCrimina lis tics (Certificate #1375)

Professional Experience

) 98 I-Present Criminalist, City of Los Angeles Police Department, ScientifIC Investigation Division

Response:

Ms. Paul completes approximately 130 cases per year. She estimates that she uses reference material in about

50% of all her case work. Her current sources of references are on-line manufacturer's websites, individual gun

fan-sites, FAU library books, her personal catalog collection, her own firearm and firearm support calalogs and

books (which she stores both at work and at her home), and her and her co-worker's personal experience.

According 10 Paul, the proposed Fireann and Firearm Support Catalog Collection is invaluable for its

availability of information on older models of firearms/ammunition not in current production and also for its

photos that can be used in court and/or traini ng aids.

Michael I. Kelley Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Examiner, Los Angeles Police Department Scientific Investigation Division, Fireann Analysis Unit

Education Bachelor ofScience

The University of the State ofNew York

Certification Certified by the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) in Firearm Identification, Tool mark Identification and GSRlMuzzle to Distance Determination - 2007 Certified by the Department of the Army to conduct Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Examinations for the United States Department of Defense - 1991

• Professional Experience '-"

Over 20 years of experience in Firearm and Toolmark Examination

Response:

Mr. KelJey completes over 160 cases and he does a similar number of second examinations per year. He

estimates that he uses references 50010 of the time for non-court cases; he uses references 90% of the time for

court cases. Currently, Mike uses his own personal fireann and fireann support catalogs as references (of

which he has been collecting for over 22 years and is not available to the unit). Mike believes there is no Jab,

professional organization or firearms examiner who possesses a firearm and fireann support catalog coJlection

as extensive as the one being offered to the LA PO, and that having this particular coUection would be a valuable

resource for case work and court, technical information, fireann identification, research and visual aids.

Srinivasan Rathioam Firearms Examiner, Los Angeles Police Department Scientific Investigation Division, Fireann Analysis Unit

Education Bachelor of Science, Physics, 1983

Madras University, India Master of Science, Forensic Science, 1985

Madras University, India

Certifications Certified in Fircann Evidence Examination and Identification - Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)

Professional Experience 2006-Present

2003-2006

1985-1997

Firearms Examiner City of Los Angeles Police Department, Scientific Investigation Division Firearms Technologist Fireanns And Toolmarks Section, Center of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Canada SA OR II (Forensic Scientist - Firearms) Forensic Sciences Department, Madras, India

Response: Mr. Rathinam completes approximately 100 cases per year. He uses reference materials in most ofthose cases. Each case helps build his knowledge base and aids in his personal training; hence he uses reference material regularly for knowledge and/or training. Depending on the information needed for each case, he uses a combination of available resources like web sites and books. The proposed Firearm and Firearm Support Catalog Collection would be valuable for the following reasons: I) it would assist in the accuracy of reports; 2) it would save man-hours and therefore increase efficiency; and 3) it would authenticate references and give credibility in court. If this particular collection were available, he would use it regularly (70-90010 of cases).

Stella Chu Criminalist II, Los Angeles Police Department Scientific Investigation Division, Firearm Analysis Unit

Education ~ Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, 1973

California State University, San Diego Master ofScience, Criminalistics, 1976

California State University, Los Angeles

Professional Experience I 983-Present Criminalist II. City of Los Angeles Police Department. Scientific Investigation Division

Response: Ms. Chu completes approximately 100 cases a year. She uses references several times a week for cases in addition to several times a week for her own knowJedgeftraining. Primary references are her own firearm and firearm support catalogs, reference books and the internet. Stella said that if the proposed Firearm and Firearm Support Catalog Collection were available, she would use it regularly, at least once a week if not more. She believes that such a collection is valuable for casework, training and reference.

Daniel S. Rubin Criminalist II, Los Angeles Police Department Scientific Investigation Division. Firearms Analysis Unit

Education Bachelor of Science. Chemistry, 1983

California State University, Northridge

Professional Experience I 990-Present Criminalist, Firearms Analysis Unit

City of Los Angeles Police Department, Scientific Investigation Division

Response: Mr. Rubin completes on average 120 cases per year. He uses references in approximately 50% ofcasework. He had a recent case where he obtained information (not available in any other source) from a firearms catalog that enabled him to limit the number possible firearms and ultimately provide a more detailed report to the investigating officer. Daniel also uses catalogs to generate curriculums for the classes he teaches. He also uses firearm and ammunition catalogs to research and answer questions from District Attorneys and Detectives (which he receives approximately 2-3 times per month). Daniel says the Firearm and Firearms Support Catalog Collection proposed would provide chronological data for specific firearms products and picturesfphotographs of items. He says it would be helpful in the comparison of items from different manufacturers, and aid in item existence/availability. If the collection was purchased, he estimates that he would use it at least once a month if not more frequently.

Additional statements from highly respected and prominent Senior Firearms Examinen concerning tbe value of firearms and ammunition catalogs to tbe field of Firearms Identification and to Firearms Analysis Laboratories:

Dominic Denio, Past President of the Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiners (AFrE) "Annually, firearms manufacturers and ammunition companies produce catalogs with specifications ofnew products. These are on1y availabJe during the year issued. Firearms identification does not have a directly relatable academic community. The DNA community has the biological community behind them that provides

,

referenc; material and information. ~e availability of these specifications o'lr1frearms and ammunition may be the key to determining the manufacture of a particular bullet removed from the victim which could be a lead to a homicide case. The firearm itself, ifrecovered from water in a rusty condition, may have an exterior feature that may be unique to that gun and having a photo of that gun in a catalog may give a lead to the make and model of the gun. These catalogs are not avaiJable commercially at any price. Finding a collector who's willing to part with them, will help fill a laboratory reference information void."

Robert Tbompson, Program Manager of the Forensic Data Systems Office of Law Enforcement Standards and Current Chairman of the Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiners Certification Programs Committee "Manufacturer's literature contains contemporary and very accurate descriptions of products not captured anywhere else ...Companies create these catalogs for marketing purposes in which they describe physical features, specifications and modifications of their products. There is no other source for this information. An example: a sawed-off shotgun is retrieved from a crime scene. The original length wouldn't be known except for going through the literature. Catalogs would help in determining what length of barrel was missing and it would aid in identifying the make and model of the firearm. Many times catalogs have rifling information and descriptions ofsafeties. how they work and may even include cutaway pictures. In addition, photos in these catalogs are very sharp, excellent references. One of the most important reasons that a firearms laboratory should have a comprehensive catalog collection is that these catalogs contain phone numbers, addresses and names of additional contacts that could be very helpful in finding more information and references."