Ulster County Probation Department’s Financial Operations Reviewed
Kingston, NY (May 24, 2016) – The Office of the Ulster County Comptroller recently completed an audit of the County’s Probation Department’s internal controls over receipts and disbursements of monies related to compensation paid to crime victims, commonly referred to as restitution. During 2015 the Probation Department was responsible for over $224,000.00 of payments to injured parties and an additional $90,000.00 of surcharges, fees and remittances.
According to the report, the purpose of the audit was to “determine whether the mechanisms in place regarding the collection and disbursement of restitution payments are adequate, efficient and in accordance with the Department’s procedures.” In addition the audit was designed to determine if the Probation Department had sufficient internal controls over its financial operations.
The Ulster County Comptroller is the County’s Chief Auditing Officer and by law, independently audits any department, program or function of County government to assess the degree to which its operation is economical, efficient and effective. In addition, the Comptroller is empowered to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of evidence deemed necessary to conduct investigations.
The Probation Department audit explains the restitution process, including the collection and disbursement of court ordered compensation and can be found on the Comptroller’s website at www.youreyesonulster.com or at the link.
