Sheriff’s Dept.

* It is about time someone has called for an audit of the Sheriff’s Department (editorial, Sept. 16). I hear the pleas for more funding and personnel, but I cannot support new taxes until someone, i.e., an independent auditor, reviews the books and accounts for every employee and dollar, and that both are being used to the fullest extent.

Since the Sheriff’s Department is treated like a sovereign nation and not accountable to the very board that allocates a good portion of the funding, it is imperative to maintain public support of the office that the books be opened and resources accounted for.

Any reluctance or refusal to do so only undermines the reputation of a great organization with an already too difficult job.

CRAIG HARVEY

Montebello