Auditor General
Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A.
Auditor General
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Auditor General Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A. Auditor General |
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| INTRODUCTION | This report, issued in March 1997, contains the results of our performance audit of the Egeler Correctional Facility (ECF), Department of Corrections (DOC). |
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| AUDIT PURPOSE | This performance audit was conducted as part of the constitutional responsibility of the Office of the Auditor General. Performance audits are conducted on a priority basis related to the potential for improving effectiveness and efficiency. |
| BACKGROUND | ECF, which is located in Jackson, is under the jurisdiction of DOC. The warden is the chief administrative officer for the facility. The DOC director appoints the warden, who is classified under the State civil service system.
ECF opened in April 1988. It consists of permanent, brick buildings and houses approximately 1,000 prisoners. ECF provides security services to the Duane L. Waters Hospital, which is located within ECF's perimeter.ECF houses prisoners of various security levels because of the prisoners' need for medical services at the Hospital. ECF's mission is to provide a secure, safe, and humane environment for staff and prisoners. For fiscal year 1995-96, ECF's operating expenditures were approximately $19.1 million. As of September 30, 1996, ECF had 311 employees. |
| AUDIT OBJECTIVES AND CONCLUSIONS | Audit Objective: To assess the effectiveness of ECF's safety and security operations.
Conclusion: Our assessment indicated that ECF's safety and security operations were generally effective. However, we noted reportable conditions related to tool control, gate manifests, and accounting for visitors (Findings 1 through 3). Audit Objective: To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of ECF's prisoner care and facility maintenance operations. Conclusion: Our assessment indicated that ECF's prisoner care and facility maintenance operations were effective and efficient. Noteworthy Accomplishments: ECF established a community liaison committee composed of local individuals, businesses, and prison officials to discuss current facility issues and obtain community feedback. |
| AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY | Our audit scope was to examine the program and other records of the Egeler Correctional Facility. Our audit was conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and, accordingly, included such tests of the records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.
Our methodology included testing of records for the period October 1, 1993 through September 30, 1996. To establish our audit objectives, we conducted a preliminary survey of ECF operations. In addition, we developed a survey (see supplemental information) to obtain stakeholder interests by requesting input from certain local individuals and businesses regarding their association with ECF. To assess the effectiveness of ECF's safety and security operations, we conducted tests of records related to perimeter security, firearms inventories, employee firearm qualifications, and searches of employees. We also examined records related to prisoner shakedowns and cell searches. We reviewed the calibration procedures for metal detectors, inventoried critical and dangerous tools, and examined entries in the visitor sign-in logbook. To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of ECF's prisoner care and maintenance operations, we tested and analyzed records and information related to preventive maintenance and the emergency electrical back-up system, food service, and the prisoner store. |
| AGENCY RESPONSES AND PRIOR AUDIT FOLLOW-UP | Our report contains 3 findings and 3 recommendations.
ECF indicated that it has complied with all the recommendations.
ECF had complied with the one prior audit recommendation included within the scope of our current audit. |
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