How Audits Are Requested
Legislative Requests
Any member of the Legislature may request an audit by the Bureau of State Audits of any activity that uses state funds, including state and local governments, school districts, and state contractors. Such requests should be presented in writing to the Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The 14-member, bipartisan, bicameral audit committee considers all audit requests and approves and sets priorities for audits. Once an audit is approved, and there is sufficient staff and funding available, it is conducted by the State Auditor's staff following national audit standards, and not subject to outside influence or input. When completed, all audit reports are issued publicly, and the audit workpapers are available for public review by written request to the State Auditor.
Statutorily Mandated Audits
The Bureau of State Audits is responsible for the Single Audit of California that is mandated by the federal government. The Bureau performs other related assignments, including performance audits, that are mandated by statute. Work for the Bureau of State Audits can be included in assembly and senate bills, supplemental language and the budget act.
State Whistleblower Program
The State whistleblower program, another mandated responsibility for the Bureau, has generated thousands of phone calls to its toll-free hotline that have resulted in improved government operations, the punishment of wrongdoers, and the collection of millions of dollars of state funds. Investigations are limited to state departments and agencies -- problems at the federal or local level are not handled by the investigative staff. Investigations range from embezzlement to the misuse of state telephones. State law provides complete anonymity and protection to complainants. While an investigation is in progress, a complainant will not be informed of the status of the complaint. Until an allegation is substantiated, all investigative work is confidential.
The hotline number is 1 (800) 952-5665, and is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An answering machine records messages from after-hours callers.