Oakland Police Internal Audit Uncovers Alleged $38,000 Employee Timesheet Fraud
OAKLAND, Calif. — An Oakland Police Department employee is under investigation for alleged grand theft and public official fraud involving approximately $38,000 after irregularities were discovered during an internal audit of employee timesheets, police announced Friday.
According to OPD, the suspected misconduct was uncovered during a routine department audit rather than as the result of an outside complaint.
After auditors identified irregularities, the matter was referred to the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and Criminal Investigation Division for independent review. Investigators subsequently uncovered evidence of alleged grand theft and public official fraud totaling approximately $38,000, police said.
The employee, whose name and position have not been released, was initially placed on modified assignment while the investigation was underway and has since been placed on administrative leave.
OPD said the department had already increased the frequency of employee timesheet audits before the alleged fraud was discovered. Police officials are also working with the City of Oakland to implement improved technology designed to better track employee time and reduce the possibility of similar misconduct in the future.
Following completion of the criminal investigation, OPD presented the case to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of possible criminal charges.
Police emphasized that the alleged misconduct was discovered through the department’s own internal oversight procedures.
Because the investigation involves an ongoing personnel matter, OPD said it cannot release additional information at this time, including the employee’s identity or details about how the alleged fraud was carried out.