State corrections system cries out for oversight

Overtime scandal underscores need for independent inspector general

Re “Another overtime scandal — this time in state corrections” (Editorial, Sept. 28): In 2003, we, as chair of the Governor’s Commission on Corrections Reform and the Department of Correction Advisory Council and as then-DOC commissioner, respectively, were tasked by then-governor Mitt Romney with reforming the Massachusetts prison system. The GCCR issued 18 recommendations aimed at strengthening public safety and increasing fiscal management and accountability.

Part of the commission’s priority agenda included the adoption of a performance management and accountability system to enhance agency performance, improve the culture, and utilize budget resources more effectively. Facility superintendents and division heads were required to attend weekly meetings to monitor and address issues associated with overtime usage. Literally, the top level of the agency bore the responsibility for overseeing the field’s overtime usage each week.

The current DOC overtime scandal described in your editorial could have been prevented if internal controls had been in place. Instead, it took someone outside the system to bring it to the DOC’s attention. After the State Police, DOC is the second Executive Office of Public Safety and Security agency to be profiled for overtime fraud and mismanagement. Is anyone providing independent, effective oversight?

This situation underscores the need for an external, independent inspector general over the DOC. The current lack of oversight is a disservice both to taxpayers and to the hundreds of hardworking, honest DOC employees who play by the rules.

L. SCOTT HARSHBARGER East Orleans KATHLEEN DENNEHY Wrentham

Harshbarger is a former Massachusetts attorney general.