HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The City of Huntington and its police department report they’re already implementing suggestions from a U.S. Department of Justice audit.
The audit focused on the two federal grant programs that the department oversees. Huntington police said in a release that the audit didn’t find illicit or untoward activity but rather provided advice to make the grant program more successful.
“The audit did not identify fraud, misuse of grant funds, or questioned costs requiring repayment,” the release said. “Instead, it identified areas where program performance, documentation, and administrative oversight could be strengthened.”
According to Huntington police, the suggestions centered around documentation, internal monitoring, and oversight. The department said that the DOJ has accepted their “corrective action plan” to match what the audit suggested and declared “all recommendations have been resolved.”
Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins said the department is always open to improvement.
“We take our responsibility to the people of Huntington seriously,” Watkins said. “Anytime we receive recommendations that help us improve our processes, we welcome them.”
“Our focus remains on accountability, transparency, and ensuring these programs continue to deliver meaningful benefits to the people of Huntington,” Watkins continued. “We appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Department of Justice and to strengthen our grant management practices.”