Audit: DPS workers used state vehicles for personal commutes | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post is Barry Smith, who is an associate editor for the Carolina Journal, John Hood Publisher.

Division responsible for licensing private security operations cited

    Two workers in the Department of Public Safety violated rules for state vehicles which cost taxpayers more than $7,000, a new report by state Auditor Beth Wood's office says.

    The report recommends disciplinary action for the employees and that DPS seek reimbursement.

    The director of DPS' Private Protective Services operation derived $2,898 in personal unauthorized commuting in a state vehicle, the report says. A supervisor derived $4,408 in personal benefit from unauthorized commuting in a state vehicle.

    DPS travel policy prohibits workers from using state vehicles for commuting unless DPS secretary and the Office of State Budget and Management make an exception, the report says. The state motor fleet has a similar policy.

    The DPS commissioner of operations said he allowed the director to use the state vehicle and park it near his home in Rolesville. DPS identified Barry Echols as PPS director. The commissioner of operations is Greg Baker.

    DPS Secretary Frank Perry agreed with the recommendations. "After thoroughly reviewing the report, I will ensure implementation of the recommendations and appropriately address and rectify the issues addressed in the findings," Perry said in a letter to Wood.

    The department's Private Protective Services is responsible for administering the licensing, education, and training requirements for people engaged in protective services in the state.