OLA must commit most of its staff to conducting financial audits and program evaluations required by law. However, throughout the year, legislators, other public officials, and private individuals contact OLA with concerns and allegations they want us to address. In addition, we often become aware of issues in media reports and from other sources that may require action by OLA.
We decide how to respond on a case-by-case basis after we gather additional information about the nature of the issues, as well as the organization and people involved. If we decide that OLA needs to address the issues relatively soon, we will conduct a special review.
As we consider what action to take, we apply the following criteria and address the following questions:
As we go through this decision-making process, we consider alternative ways to address the issues. For example, we will consider whether the issues can be addressed in a forthcoming financial audit. We will also consider proposing that the Legislative Audit Commission approve OLA address the issues in an evaluation.
For a list of special reviews OLA is currently conducting see: Special Reviews In-Progress
For a list of special review reports issued by OLA see: Special Review Reports