Press Release  Audit Leads to Improved Oversight of Procurement Contracts and Staff Overtime at Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Boston — In an audit released today, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump suggested the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) improve oversight of its procurement contracting processes and its staff overtime pay. While the audit did not identify any inappropriate purchases by FCSO, it did find $647,541 of goods and services were not properly procured.

The audit, which examined the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018, also found FCSO had five instances in which overtime forms could not be located, two instances of overtime forms lacking supervisor authorization, and one instance where an employee was paid less than what was owed.

Additionally, the audit found no deficiencies in FCSO’s authorization of non-payroll expenses or in case plan documentation in its medication-assisted treatment program for inmates with opioid use disorder.

In response to the audit, FCSO reports it is taking steps to improve both its procurement and overtime payroll processes.

“It’s critical the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office be open and fair in its procurement process. Failure to do so could undermine public trust in how the office manages public dollars,” Bump said of the audit. “I commend the Sheriff and his department for taking these matters seriously, as well as for their diligent work supporting inmates with substance use disorder.” 

FCSO operates the Franklin County Jail located in Greenfield. During the audit period, the office had 223 employees and an average of 236 inmates. The office offers various programs to prepare inmates for life after incarceration, including behavioral health support, education, vocational training, reentry support, and substance use disorder treatment. In fiscal year 2018, it received $15,914,487 in state appropriations.

The full audit report is available here.

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