COUNTYWIDE : Sheriff Seeking Department Audit

Sheriff Jim Roache has asked for an audit of his department for the first time in its history.

“I believe a progressive approach toward achieving fundamental change in the department is needed,” he said.

The study would include every aspect of the department, including its management structure, spending practices, staffing levels, recruitment and retention of employees and other areas.

Roache asked for a combination of volunteer county and outside experts to conduct the audit, such as the National Institute of Corrections in Washington.

“It’s historically unprecedented,” Sheriff’s Department spokesman Dan Greeblat said. “It’s the first time in history that a sheriff has invited an outside team to look at every aspect of the department, beauty marks and warts included.”