The New Orleans Police Department evidence room has tightened controls since $200,000 went missing five years ago.
But an Inspector General’s report finds some evidence in criminal cases remains at "high risk of theft or misplacement."
The 29-page report found the evidence room is plagued by a lack of documentation, poor record-keeping and vague guidelines.
It says staff members fail to conduct inventories each year and whenever a key-holder position changes. The report says that violates best practices and NOPD policy.
Inspector General Ed Quatrevaux says evidence management has clearly improved, but more work is needed.
NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune reports Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said in a letter to Quatrevaux that he was committed to continuing reforms.
