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Audit: Oversight of State Patrol Grants Is Weak

Posted: 1:48 PM Dec 8, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Auditors say the Michigan State Police hasn't done a thorough job of reviewing how millions of dollars are spent by sheriffs for road patrol and traffic-accident prevention.

Auditors found that the Office of Highway Safety Planning averaged 11 monitoring visits a year since 2007, although 82 counties accept the state grants. Auditors found the state also hasn't judged the effectiveness of the program. State police say they can't afford it.

County sheriffs have been getting a slice of $10 million in grants to patrol roads outside villages and cities. The money comes from a $10 fee on traffic tickets.

The audit found that the formula to distribute the money is out of date. It's based on population and road mileage reported more than 30 years ago.