The state transportation department is preparing to solicit bids for new helicopters this fall and plans to purchase three during the current fiscal year, with additional helicopter purchases planned at three a year through fiscal year 2012.
The audit was conducted over an eight-month period in 2007 and 2008, during which more than 110 of the Aviation Command's 140 employees were interviewed by state auditors.
Among the key findings:
* During fiscal year 2007, six of the 12 helicopters were individually unavailable for more than 120 days.
* The unit did not maintain up-to-date operations and maintenance manuals for helicopters, keep critical parts in stock or effectively manage parts inventories.
* A lack of reliable data kept by Aviation Command made it impossible for auditors to assess whether the medevac program transported patients to hospitals within a 60-minute window.
* High staff turnover in "key positions" is a "significant issue" for the state police unit.
Despite finding numerous managerial deficiencies at the state police's Aviation Command, the Office of Legislative Audits praised the medical emergency response unit for its "impeccable safety record" and dedicated employees. Auditors also found insignificant use of the aging 12-helicopter fleet for "non-critical missions" such as public relations tours, which DeBoy said had been an area of concern among lawmakers.
Myers said his auditors could not determine whether the unavailability of certain helicopters on any given day impeded the unit's mission capabilities.
On days when fewer than eight helicopters were available - meaning that one of the medevac unit's eight bases was not fully functional - "we were unable to see if they had to turn down calls or anything like that," Myers said. "We can't point to a case where they didn't perform, but we just think management should have a lot more information to allow them to make ... decisions in running the place."
Greg Shipley, a police spokesman, said the law enforcement agency was "very pleased" with the audit, particularly its recognition of the aviation unit's safety record, which exceeds national averages. Shipley said police officials have already taken steps to implement many of the auditors' recommendations, such as keeping better records, but would require additional funding to maintain the types of computer databases suggested.
