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Councilors table request to audit Lawrence Police Department after committee discussion
Summary
A Public Safety Committee discussion on Councilor Wendy Luzon’s proposed audit of the Lawrence Police Department ended with the committee tabling the item for a future meeting after members asked for written materials and for city department officials to attend.
Councilor Wendy Luzon introduced a proposal to send an audit of the Lawrence Police Department for fiscal year 2025 to the full City Council, saying the review is needed after “five chief[s] of police” in four years and to ensure “financial transparency” and operational efficiency. Luzon urged the committee to authorize a citywide audit to verify overtime, equipment purchases and grant management and to build public confidence in the department. Committee members pressed for more detail and for key officials to attend before the full council reviews the request. Councilor Selena Reyes said she could not find a written request in the committee packet and asked Luzon to provide the proposal in writing. Councilor Anna Levy echoed support for transparency but said the mayor’s office likely would need to cover audit costs and that the committee should confirm the funding source. After discussion, the committee voted first to untable the audit item and then, on a subsequent motion, to table it again until the committee can assemble written language and secure the attendance of the city attorney, the police chief and the budget/capital staff. The votes were roll-called and carried. The chairman asked staff to schedule the matter for a future public-safety meeting and to invite the mayor’s office and the police chief for that session. The committee’s action was procedural: members did not authorize an audit nor set a scope or budget. Luzon described the audit’s objectives in general terms — financial transparency, operations review, compliance and community relations — and committee members requested a written proposal that states the specific scope, estimated cost and the department officials who would brief the council. The topic will return to committee with the requested materials and invited staff; any formal audit authorization would require either a council vote or identification of a funding source if the city is to pay for outside auditors.
