Sheriffs department orders an audit

The head of the Denver Sheriff’s Department has ordered an audit of the department’s records management unit after several deputies mistakenly released inmates too early or too late.

The Denver Post reports that four deputies have been punished for their roles in such incidents in the past month. One of the deputies was punished for releasing inmates early on two occasions.

As part of Sheriff Patrick Firman’s order, spokesman Simon Crittle says two additional deputies will be assigned to the records department to audit paperwork.

A 2015 report from Chicago-based consultants had recommended the department consider shortening shifts and hiring civilian superiors within its records management unit.

The audit also comes after three deputies were fired earlier this summer within a two-week period for using excessive force against inmates.