Early release audit today: Cycle Breakers, Inc.

Max Brantley is already reporting this over at the Arkansas Blog, but the investigative report on Cycle Breakers, Inc. by the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit requested by Rep. Sandra Prater was released today. Circuit Breakers is a program devised and used in Pulaski Co. Circuit Court as a tool in conjunction with probation to intervene in lives of individuals to stop the cycle of crime and deter further involvement in the judicial system. Here's the full report, and here are highlights:

[T]here is little division and no arms-length transactions between Cycle Breakers, Inc. and [its partners]. The Court additionally established additional fees, without apparent statutory authority, for various assessments/services. While collected by Court personnel and deposited in a Cycle Breakers, Inc. bank account, these fees are related to probation and/or the Program and may be considered County funds. The County Quorum Court allows probation fees be given to, and other resources be used on behalf of, Cycle Breakers, Inc. even though Article 12, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution prohibits a county from obtaining or appropriating money for any corporation. The existing relationship the Judge, Court, and Court employees have with Cycle Breakers, Inc. appears to conflict with state laws relating to conflict of interest and ethics provisions. Numerous instances occurred in which the Judge, Court, and Court employees received financial benefits from Cycle Breakers, Inc.

Here is a link to the Cycle Breakers page of the Pulaski County website.