Crime-reducing commission needs better oversight

Crime-reducing commission needs better oversight

Published on March 23, 2026

En español(PDF, 199KB)

DENVER - A city commission created to improve neighborhood safety by reducing recidivism is not sufficiently overseeing and monitoring data or invoices from vendors and needs stronger oversight and procedure documentation. This is according to Denver Auditor Timothy M. O'Brien, CPA, in a new audit of the Crime Prevention and Control Commission, which the Department of Public Safety oversees.

"The commission cannot make meaningful suggestions to fund vendors if the information about vendors' achievements is inaccurate," said Auditor O'Brien. "However, I am encouraged the Department of Public Safety agreed with all our recommendations. This is a collaborative commitment to make improvements and a win for government oversight."

Public Safety acts on the commission's program recommendations and administrative work, like contract monitoring and collecting vendor data. Since 2023, the commission has funded four vendor-run pilot programs.

Vendor agreements are not sufficiently monitored

Public Safety was not collecting required quarterly data reports from vendors. Data validation is not occurring. This validation would ensure quality information is provided to the commission.

Also, clearly defined scope-of-work requirements were not outlined in the vendor agreements. Without it, the commission may not be receiving quality information on the services vendors provide or the outcomes of those services. This reduces the commission's ability to make informed funding decisions for the programs.

Stronger oversight and documentation practices are needed

The commission appears to operate effectively, but governance and documentation practices can be improved.

For example, Public Safety does not require commissioners to sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure. Two commissioners affiliated with current program vendors did not submit disclosure forms, which introduces potential conflicts in decision-making.

The commission's bylaws require the commission to meet once a year to review and update its strategic plan, but the last related meeting was in 2023. The commission also does not have an evaluation process to assess individual or collective performance.

Record keeping of commission meetings, quorums, attendance, public notification of meetings is inconsistent.

Insufficient vendor invoice monitoring

We reviewed 46 invoices and supporting documentation and found two invoices had supporting documentation where important details, like the total amount of the expense, were illegible. Six of the 46 invoices, or 13%, had an invoice date showing the expenses listed were not provided within the required time frame.

Department leaders said they did not have policies and procedures outlining the invoicing process. They cannot ensure expenses align with the contract or payments are made in a timely manner if these guidelines do not exist.

No program manager

Between September 2023 and March 2025, Public Safety did not have a program manager to perform administrative duties related to the commission. During our audit, the department often said this vacancy led to insufficient procedures. Department leaders said the city's Position Review Committee had denied hiring for this position. A new manager was hired in April 2025.

"This is another concerning instance where the Position Review Committee's delay in hiring impacts a city agency. By hiring a program manager, Public Safety will be in a better position to fix areas of concern," Auditor O'Brien said. "I commend the department in its responsiveness to our audit recommendations and to prioritizing accountability. I look forward to reviewing its progress when we complete a follow-up report of this audit."

AUDITOR TIMOTHY O'BRIEN, CPA
Denver Auditor

Denver Auditor's Office

201 W. Colfax Ave. #705 Denver, CO 80202
Email: [email protected]
Call: 720-913-5000
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