Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the seven recommendations included in our initial audit report, Time and Attendance Practices for Public Safety Staff (2013-S-65).

Background

Our initial report, issued April 6, 2015, concluded that neither City University of New York (CUNY) nor York College had adequate internal controls over time and attendance for Public Safety officers. No one was responsible for verifying the hours worked by Department of Public Safety (Department) staff, and officers could alter time cards by writing over time stamps from punch clocks. We also found that the Department’s overtime process could result in the payment of unauthorized and/or excessive overtime costs. Additionally, video from surveillance cameras found that security officers who were assigned to the fire watch spent long periods of time in one area instead of patrolling the entire building, as required. One officer turned off the light, sat in a reclined position, and remained motionless for nearly five hours.

Key Finding

We found that York College officials have made significant progress in addressing the issues identified in our initial report. Of the six recommendations addressed to York, five were implemented and one was not applicable during the time of our follow-up. The one recommendation addressed to CUNY Central was not implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.