A recent performance audit of high-risk equipment and supplies managed by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will be the focus of an open meeting of the county’s Audit Oversight Committee at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street. Copies of the audit will be available to the public from the County web site after the meeting. The audit examined how high-risk materials and equipment were handled by the Sheriff’s Office. Focusing mostly on 2014 and 2015 data, the specific items evaluated were firearms, ammunition, ballistic vests, and portable police band radios. “I believe the audit findings are valid concerns and the recommendations to improve our processes are reasonable,” Sheriff Chuck Atkins said in a letter to the Auditor’s Office. “I will direct my staff to make the necessary changes in procedures to bring our processes into alignment with currently accepted practices as they relate to internal control of high-risk equipment and supplies.” Physical security and access controls for the Sheriff’s high-risk storage facility were “effective,” according to the auditors. Controls over weapons and most durable items were “moderately effective,” with improvements recommended on control of seized and forfeited weapons. Auditors found the Sheriff’s Office “ineffective” in accounting for individually issued practice ammunition and recommended stricter controls, such as those used to distribute and manage ammunition in official training sessions with training instructors. They recommended that the Sheriff make substantial changes in the practice ammunition program or end it. Practice ammunition is distributed to deputies who request it to help maintain and improve shooting skills. About 250 deputies participate at an annual cost of $100,000 to $150,000. The report makes several references to improvements already in progress. County Auditor Greg Kimsey said, “I appreciate the constructive attitude Sheriff Atkins and his organization have demonstrated,” said County Auditor Greg Kimsey. “We have worked closely with them to add value and reduce risk to the public, their employees, and the county.”