Report 2011-121 Recommendation 15 Responses

Report 2011-121: Probationers' Domestic Violence Payments: Improved Processes for Managing and Distributing These Payments Could Increase Support for Local Shelters (Release Date: September 2012)

Recommendation #15 To: Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Diego Court, and Santa Clara County should improve protocols for reviewing statutes that affect collection and distribution practices so that future changes can be acted upon.

6-Month Agency Response

Los Angeles County reported that in an effort to improve protocols for reviewing statutes that affect collection and distribution practices, measures are now in place to ensure all relevant collection information is updated timely. These measures include the Collection Manager checking the annual Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedules and the State Controller's website monthly for updates to the Trial Court Manual and Distribution Guidelines. Los Angeles County further indicated that because there is no one central place in the State of California that provides this information completely, the Collection Manager will also reference and check with state and local judicial staff.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Fully Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

Los Angeles County indicated that its Probation Department will monitor the State Controller's Office's Web site monthly for updates to the Trial Court Manual and Distribution guidelines. However, although monitoring changes to statutes posted by the State Controller's Office is a valuable tool for identifying any relevant changes, this source may not be updated consistently. As a result, Los Angeles County could miss important statutory changes. We would expect Los Angeles County to develop a process to monitor the statutes itself to identify any relevant changes. (See 2013-406, p. 183)

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Partially Implemented

All Recommendations in 2011-121

Agency responses received after June 2013 are posted verbatim.