State audit critical of public safety agency's conferences

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state agency responsible for public safety in Missouri spent more money than it should have at law enforcement conferences over the past few years, a new state audit says.

The report Thursday by State Auditor Claire McCaskill said $22,300 spent at conferences sponsored by the Department of Public Safety "appeared excessive and unnecessary."

The amount questioned equals about 16 percent of the total $136,150 spent at the conferences this year, last year and in 2000.

The audit reviewed the Community Mobilization and Partnership Conference, which is designed to emphasize law enforcement problem solving and community involvement.

In 2001, the most expensive year, the department paid $9,850 for 1,000 executive notebooks, $6,705 for an ice cream sundae and baseball banquet and $5,285 for appetizers at a welcoming reception, the audit said.

'Excessive' purchases

"These purchases appear to be excessive and unnecessary," the audit said.

"The department needs to reevaluate the expenditures for future conferences in an effort to eliminate any unnecessary costs and ensure the efficient use of state resources."

The audit also found that contract bids could not be located for various conference expenses, including meals, drinks, audio equipment rental and lodging.

For last year's conference, auditors could not locate more than $55,000 in contract bidding documentation.

In its response, the Department of Public Safety said the state should no longer be concerned about the costs at the conference.

No plans for conference

"There are no plans to hold another COPS conference in the future," the department said. "If a COPS conference is held, bids will be obtained and expenditures will be kept at a minimum."

The audit comes two weeks after McCaskill, who is seeking re-election as state auditor this November, issued an audit critical of the state Division of Liquor Control for spending lavishly at a conference in Osage Beach two years ago.

More than $3,320 was spent to send 21 workers from Jefferson City to the training conference.

The audit recommended that the conference be held in Jefferson City, a point with which the division agreed.