Lawrence councilors press for independent audit of police department; item tabled pending scope and funding details

Councilor Wendy Luzon asked the Public Safety Committee on Sept. 10 to forward a request for an independent audit of the Lawrence Police Department to the full City Council, citing leadership turnover and community concerns. "An audit will allow us to ensure financial accountability by reviewing the use of taxpayer dollars over overtime expenditures and grant management," Luzon wrote in an emailed statement she read into the record.

The committee’s chair, City Councilor Anna Levy, said the chief was present and the city attorney had been invited but was not in attendance. Police Chief Aguilar told the panel he welcomes an independent audit and described it as "consistent with best practices"…