LAPD Botched Millions in Purchases: Report

A reminder to always shop around for the best deal and keep your receipts.

An LAPD audit says the department mishandled millions of dollars in purchases during the 2007-08 fiscal year.

The internal audit, which was sent to civilian police commissioners earlier this month, states that 84 percent of the purchases were made without required competitive bids. Some of the purchases did not even have documents that verified the items were delivered.

There were problems with about $3 million worth of purchases, according to KNX Radio, which first reported the audit's findings. The department's procurement system handles about $60 million worth of purchases each fiscal year.

The audit reviewed more than 100 transactions. Purchased items included ammunition and cars.

Former Chief William Bratton and his successor, Chief Charlie Beck, ordered the audit. It is the most recent audit available of LAPD purchases.

The audit states what taxpayers might already believe: "The overall purchasing control environment is inadequate. The purchasing process and controls, which handles approximately $60 million in Department purchases annually, must be improved, formalized and enforced."

The topic is on the Police Commission's Tuesday agenda.

City Controller Wendy Greuel said the audit raises questions.

"The potential waste of taxpayer funds that this audit uncovered is incredibly serious, particularly with the city facing such a large budget deficit," Greuel said in a statement.
 

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