Minnesota's top cop called for the Metro Gang Strike Force to be shut down temporarily after an audit found sloppy accounting and poor management practices.
The legislative auditor's special review of the gang task force released Wednesday said at least $18,126 of seized cash and at least 14 seized vehicles couldn't be accounted for.
"These are significant, serious and disturbing findings," said Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion.
The report was not based on allegations of corruption, but Legislative Auditor James Nobles said it was possible "some misuse or misappropriation of funds could have occurred because of lax controls."
Campion said he will ask a former federal prosecutor and a retired FBI agent to help carry out more than two dozen recommendations and account for the seized cash and cars. If anything appears criminal, Campion said, he would seek an outside investigation.
And if progress hasn't been made in 30 days, Campion said he would withhold the Gang Strike Force's state funding for the rest of the year.
"It's critical we get these police officers back on the streets quickly, particularly because gang violence often increases in the summer months," Campion said in a statement. "But we have to first ensure the integrity of the overall operation."
Lawmakers at Wednesday's Legislative Audit Commission meeting found the report disturbing.
Gang busters' suspension urgedTemporary shutdown recommended to deal with force's financial management woes Updated: 05/20/2009 10:50:21 PM CDT
Minnesota's top cop called for the Metro Gang Strike Force to be shut down temporarily after an audit found sloppy accounting and poor management practices. The legislative auditor's special review of the gang task force released Wednesday said at least $18,126 of seized cash and at least 14 seized vehicles couldn't be accounted for. "These are significant, serious and disturbing findings," said Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion. The report was not based on allegations of corruption, but Legislative Auditor James Nobles said it was possible "some misuse or misappropriation of funds could have occurred because of lax controls." Campion said he will ask a former federal prosecutor and a retired FBI agent to help carry out more than two dozen recommendations and account for the seized cash and cars. If anything appears criminal, Campion said, he would seek an outside investigation. And if progress hasn't been made in 30 days, Campion said he would withhold the Gang Strike Force's state funding for the rest of the year. |