With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Audit finds LAPD bungled millions in purchases
Listen
• 0:54
Los Angeles Police officials Tuesday promised to improve purchasing procedures after an audit found the department bungled millions of dollars in purchases.
The internal Los Angeles Police Department audit found that department officials made more than 80 percent of their purchases without the required competitive bids.
It also found that fewer than half the purchases were connected to documents that verified the goods were delivered.
The audit reviewed 102 random transactions during 2007 and 2008, and found problems with nearly $3 million in purchases -- a fraction of the $60 million worth of supplies bought by the LAPD annually.
Support for LAist comes from
According to city policy, LAPD must solicit three competitive bids for certain purchases to make sure it gets the best possible value. This was not done in 84 percent of the sampled procurement transactions, according to the audit, which determined that the LAPD Supply Section did not know about the requirement.
The audit also found that 56 percent of procurement transactions -- totaling about $2.6 million -- had no receipts that would confirm the supplies were actually received.
Finally, the audit showed 10 percent of the procurement transactions were processed without the required authorizations.
The audit surfaces as the department struggles to maintain its funding amid a city financial crisis. L.A. faces a $100 million deficit this year and a $400 million shortfall next year.
In a statement, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said the department can’t ask for more money if the LAPD can’t efficiently handle its current funding.
"The LAPD is entrusted to wisely spend taxpayer dollars," Beck said.
The civilian Board of Police Commissioners that monitors the department asked Beck to develop new purchasing procedures - and to report back in February.
Support for LAist comes from
"The department is taking progressive steps to address the areas of concern and I look forward to the next report in February," said Commissioner Alan Skobin.
KPCC Wire Services contributed to this story.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist