Auditor’s Office
State Auditor Gary Jones has released a Performance Audit Report of the Department of Corrections (DOC).
Governor Mary Fallin requested the audit following the resignation of former DOC Director Justin Jones.
“The audit includes 10 recommendations to help DOC reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and better manage its inmate population,” Jones said. “You can’t overlook the fact its funding is down while the number of inmates it houses is up.”
The audit also includes four prospective areas for further study including the impact of factors beyond DOC control, alternative funding support for a new Offender Management System, and additional analysis of medical trends.
“As the population continues to age, medical costs will continue to rise,” Jones said. “From 2010 to 2013, DOC spent $135 million for healthcare costs including medical and mental health treatment, medical supplies and equipment. More than 11 percent of all expenditures by DOC goes to healthcare.”
The audit covered a five year span from fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2013. Financial data used in the report included FY10-FY13.
“We recommend DOC’s governing board continue its effort to increase its financial oversight of the agency including obtaining additional financial reports from its chief financial officer,” Jones said. “We believe an audit committee would be beneficial in assisting the board to ensure accountability and provide financial oversight.”
Increased involvement by the DOC board points to governance issues the State Auditor believes will better safeguard the expenditure of state funds and lead to improved management of limited resources.
The full audit report is available online at the State Auditor’s website: www.sai.ok.gov/Search%20Reports/database/DOCWebFinal.pdf
