Controller Urges Tighter Tracking of City Computers

Now that Los Angeles is spending big bucks on more time-saving computers, officials really ought to do a better job keeping tabs on them, City Controller Rick Tuttle warned Tuesday.

In releasing the results of a spot check of computer-tracking records in four large city departments, Tuttle said he found “weak controls” that he suspects are typical throughout the bureaucracy.

He recommended a centralized simple-to-use inventory system and a more diligent attitude toward keeping records current, better coordination between departments handling purchases and installations, and stricter rules for relinquishing unused new computers and for disposing of old ones.