The Public Safety Commission on Tuesday approved the Texas Department of Public Safety’s proposed fiscal year 2026 internal audit strategy, which adds performance objectives to align with updated professional auditing standards and preserves flexibility for commissioner and management requests.

Chief Auditor Catherine Melvin presented the plan, saying it focuses on critical risk areas while “building in flexibility to allow for commissioners and management’s request for services as they may arise throughout the year.” She noted the plan does not provide complete coverage of all department components and emphasized management’s responsibility for internal control.

Melvin told commissioners the audit office is itself undergoing a peer review and expects results in early November. Commissioner Hoard moved to approve the strategy; Commissioner Stodgill seconded the motion. The commission called for a voice vote and the motion passed.

Why it matters: the internal audit strategy sets the department’s audit priorities and establishes the audit office’s approach to risk, controls and performance measurement for the coming fiscal year.

No additional rulemaking or budget changes were adopted as part of the approval.