County to audit Behavioral Health Services after disputed release under Wis. Stat. ch. 971; resolution passes 6–0

The Milwaukee County Board Committee on Audit voted 6–0 on July 7 to request an audit of the Department of Behavioral Health Services’ handling of statutory notifications related to competency proceedings under Wisconsin Statute chapter 971.

Supervisor Lena Vincent introduced the resolution and described the request as time‑sensitive. Vincent said the resolution was prompted by the release of an individual from a state inpatient facility without prior notice to the district attorney’s office or to the victim’s family. "The release of the individual accused of this crime without advance notice or coordination has caused understandable outrage and fear not only for Ben's family, but for the community as a whole," Vincent said during the committee meeting, referring to the victim named in local reporting.

Vincent told the committee she had also requested a related report to appear before the Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning on Thursday to seek more immediate answers and that she expected the audit office to pursue a broader review of systemic issues if warranted.

Jennifer Follier, the Comptroller’s director of audits, told the committee the audit division can conduct the requested review and that, while timelines vary, full audits usually take multiple months. "We try not to have birthdays for our audits, but sometimes they do," Follier said, and added the office generally aims to complete such work within a year while noting it would not begin meaningful fieldwork until the resolution completes the county approval process.

Committee discussion included concern that a timely report to the Health Equity committee on Thursday could answer some immediate process questions but would not substitute for a full audit of systemic practices. Supervisors Martin, Capriollo and Logsdon asked to be added as cosponsors by unanimous consent during the meeting.

The Clerk called the roll on a motion by Supervisor Vincent to recommend adoption of the resolution; the tally recorded 6 ayes, 0 nos and the motion prevailed. The committee’s vote sends the audit request forward for scheduling and staffing by the Comptroller’s Audit Services Division.