• This page, Audit Provides Recommendations for Improvement at Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, is   offered by
  • Office of the State Auditor
Press Release

Press Release  Audit Provides Recommendations for Improvement at Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office

Transition audits highlights areas in need of improvement for the new District Attorney.
For immediate release:
1/14/2019
  • Office of the State Auditor

Media Contact   for Audit Provides Recommendations for Improvement at Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office

Mike Wessler, Communications Director

The Berkshire County District Court house.

BostonState Auditor Suzanne M. Bump today released a transition audit of the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office (BCDA), which highlights needed improvements related to forfeited funds and the office’s internal control plan. The audit, which was requested by former District Attorney Paul Caccaviello shortly after his March 2018 appointment, provides newly sworn-in District Attorney Andrea Harrington with recommendations to address these areas.

The audit notes that some forfeited funds were not remitted to the BCDA by law enforcement in a timely manner. Under state law, certain funds used in illegal activities, including the purchase and sale of controlled substances, are subject to forfeiture by the Commonwealth. In some cases, it took up to 780 days after being court-order for these funds to be transferred to BCDA. This issue was first identified by Bump’s office in a 2014 audit. In its response, the BCDA indicates it is taking measures to address this issue.

The audit also found the BCDA’s internal control plan (ICP), an agency-wide document that summarizes risks and controls for all business processes, has not been updated since 2016.

“As Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington takes the reigns of the office, I encourage her to use this audit as a roadmap for improvement,” said Bump. “The recommendations in this audit will ensure the office quickly receives revenue due it is owed, and help to strengthen its defenses against risks that could threaten its ability to accomplish its goals.”

The audit also examined the BCDA’s Victim Witness Assistance Program, reporting of lost funds or property, budgeting practices and financial activities, and accounting of its information technology assets. It found no deficiencies in these areas.

“I am grateful to the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump for coming to Berkshire County last year to perform an audit of the District Attorney’s Office,” said District Attorney Andrea Harrington. “We are working closely with the State Auditor to implement tighter controls and look forward to welcoming her back to Pittsfield soon so she can see the changes.”

The BCDA serves 32 cities and towns in western Massachusetts and operates from a superior court, three juvenile courts and three district courts. It represents the Commonwealth at bail hearings, commitment proceedings related to criminal matters, rendition proceedings, and for appeals to the state’s Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court.

The audit of the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office is available here.

###

Media Contact   for Audit Provides Recommendations for Improvement at Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office

  • Office of the State Auditor 

    The Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback