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San Jose audit finds inventory controls should be tightened for fire department controlled substances
Summary
A city audit found apparatus-level policies and central-supply duties for two DEA-controlled medications need clarification and separation; the fire department concurred and has begun corrective actions, and the council accepted the report unanimously.
The City Auditor presented results of an audit of San Jose Fire Department inventory controls for two DEA-controlled medications — morphine and midazolam — and recommended clarifying apparatus-level policies and separating duties in the central supply function.
Allison Polley of the auditor's office summarized two findings: policies for securing controlled substances on fire apparatus should be formalized to reflect current practices, and the department should split responsibilities for central supply management so no single position both administers the inventory system and handles medication custody. Polley said that unannounced inspections at the main safe and checks at 17 stations found "no evidence of theft or tampering," and noted improvements already in place such as daily verifications and electronic vial tracking.
Fire Chief Robert Sapien told the council the department concurs with the findings and has completed several corrective actions, adding that procurement of biometric safes and further policy updates are underway. "The department concurs with the two findings and seven recommendations offered," Sapien said.
Councilmembers praised the audit as practical and accepted the report unanimously.
Why it matters: Controlled medications for emergency medical services require stringent custody and tracking. The audit's recommendations aim to reduce the risk of diversion and clarify procedures across fire stations and central supply.
What's next: Staff will implement the audit recommendations, consider biometric safes and policy clarifications, and report on progress as the department completes procurement and training steps.
