01/12/2016
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway announced today that her office has begun audits of the Ferguson and Pine Lawn municipal divisions of the 21st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County. The audits are part of the office's Municipal Courts Initiative, designed to evaluate city court processes and compliance with state law and court rules.
"We know that the public's opinion of the justice system is directly tied to the interaction they have with local courts," Auditor Galloway said. "In Ferguson and Pine Lawn, our auditors will examine court operations and make recommendations to ensure Missourians are dealing with effective, transparent courts."
An audit of the Bella Villa municipal court, also in St. Louis County, is currently ongoing.
The Municipal Courts Initiative expands the standard court audit process. In addition to reviewing financial transactions, accounting practices, and compliance with court rules and state law, auditors also review statistical information, tickets and other penalties to identify improper activities or practices that may impair impartiality or damage the court's credibility with citizens.
Individuals who would like to provide information for consideration in these or any ongoing audits may contact the State Auditor's Office at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or 800-347-8597.
