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State examiner outlines pilot prison-oversight review, warns of document delays and possible subpoenas
Summary
State examiner Rachel Riddle told the committee her office visited Virginia, conducted 14 DOC staff interviews and intends to issue a system-wide first report and a focused prison review, but said restricted document access may slow the planned October report and could require subpoenas.
Rachel Riddle, introduced to the committee as the examiner director of public accounts, briefed lawmakers on progress in a new pilot prison-oversight program and said the office is prioritizing system-level review before visiting a single prison.
"The 1st report we're doing is going to be an overall look at DOC and then focusing in on 1 prison," Riddle said, adding that the office visited Virginia's oversight committee and ombuds program and conducted 14 interviews with DOC staff. She described the Virginia meetings as "very, very fruitful" and said her team has used those lessons to shape the pilot here.
Riddle said the office has submitted multiple document requests and is working with the attorney general's office where agencies have declared materials restricted. "We have run into some issues getting certain documents," she said, and acknowledged that, if necessary, her office can use subpoena authority to obtain records: "Y'all have given me subpoena power, and I very rarely have to use it." She said the team still hopes to issue an initial report in October but could not guarantee that date if access problems persist.
Committee members pressed for clarity about whether the review would examine contracting and procurement practices across DOC; Riddle said the system-level review was intentional so findings would not be limited to a single prison. Representative England told the public the oversight hearings and constituent reports had already prompted new offices and improved reporting, while urging continued testimony to shape future recommendations.
The committee did not vote on any policy during the session; Riddle said additional prison visits and document collection are planned and that the office will combine findings before producing the first public report.
