/ Modified sep 12, 2021 9:42 a.m.

Audit: Arizona database flaws may put public safety at risk

State auditors are casting a critical eye at the Arizona database used for conducting background checks.

360 dps police lights
John DeSoto/AZPM Staff

State auditors are casting a critical eye at the Arizona database used for conducting background checks of people seeking certain types of jobs or work licenses.

The database also helps criminal justice officials decide whether defendants get plea bargains or sentencing leniency.

A report released Friday by the Auditor General's Office said public safety may be put at risk by reporting gaps and a backlog in the central depository of criminal history records.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains the database, updating it with reports from law enforcement agencies and courts.

The department said it accepts most of the auditors' findings and will implement multiple recommendations.

MORE: AP, Arizona, Crime, News
By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona