OPS_BLK_ENG

REPORT

RAPPORT


 

DATE:

 

27 May 2013

 

TO/DEST:

 

Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board

FROM/DE:

 

Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service

SUBJECT/OBJET:

2013 AUDIT PLAN

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the 2013 Audit Plan as recommended by the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Audit function is an independent and objective activity designed to evaluate and recommend improvements to the operations of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) as a measure of accountability and transparency.  The 2013 Audit Plan has been developed based on the legislated requirements established by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Provincial Adequacy Standards Guidelines.    

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Police Services Act specifies that municipal police services be inspected every four years.  In August 2013, the following four areas will be examined by Ministry inspectors to ensure Board and Service compliance with Provincial Adequacy Standards:

 

·         Missing Persons (Guideline LE-026)

·         Preliminary Perimeter Control and Containment (Guideline ER-001)

·         Bail and Violent Crime (Guideline LE-023)

·         Police Response to High Risk Individuals (Guideline LE-047).

 

The primary focus of 2013 will be the Ministry Inspection, which will include reviews of policy and procedure to ensure compliance.  This will be achieved through the continuation of Directorate Quality Assurance (DQA) as a means of establishing organizational effectiveness.

 

The DQA program ensures regulatory compliance through a self-assessment process designed to evaluate critical controls in assessing compliance with Provincial Adequacy Standards.  The DQA uses tools and templates, measurement criteria and an evaluation cycle to establish the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational practices.

 

The audit objectives for 2013 include compliance audits for:

·         Property and Evidence Control (General)

·         Valuable Securities

·         Drugs. 

 

These audits will be scheduled for the third quarter (Q3) of 2013, pending the hire of an Audit Specialist.  It is expected that the Audit Specialist position will be filled in Q3 of 2013.  

 

EXISTING POLICY

 

The 2013 Audit Plan will focus on regulatory and legislative compliance with policy to ensure that the Ottawa Police Service is meeting audit requirements.  Section 13 of the Board’s Audit Policy CR-9 states that:

“The Board shall receive a report on the results of the annual audit of the property and evidence control function.” 

 

The 2013 Audit Plan objectives comply with the Chief’s reporting requirements outlined in the following:

a.    Chief’s Monitoring Requirements, Board Policy BC2

b.    Board Audit Requirements, Board Policy CR-9

c.    Adequacy Standard LE-020 on Collection, Preservation and Control of Evidence and Property Audit

d.    Board Policy on LE-020 on Collection, Preservation and Control of Evidence and Property.

 

CONSULTATION

 

The 2013 Audit Plan was reviewed and recommended for Board approval by the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee on 25 April 2013.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

 

Not applicable.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The 2013 Audit Plan will ensure legislative compliance and identify further process improvements to enhance service.  The 2013 Audit Plan is intended to assist members in delivering the best possible service to the community and provide assurance to the Ottawa Police Services Board that the organization is meeting its obligations. 

 

(Original signed by)

 

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police

 

 

Responsible for Report:  Supt. Terrance Cheslock