The auditors noted that such suggestions are not new. As far back as 1990, a legislative audit recommended that Corrections take care of instances of nepotism for job positions and other problems. In 2004, the Governor's Transition Report noted concerns of "favorable treatment of management."

The audit gives numerous examples of apparent favoritism, including the administration downplaying Corrections officers' use of their badges and vehicle emergency lights to get out of speeding tickets. In one instance, a senior correctional officer of 19 years was put on paid administrative leave for five months after being accused of "unlawful harassment" and drug use and was then allowed to retire without punishment.

The audit stated the officer was under investigation for methamphetamine use. However, in a written response to that finding, Corrections officials contradict the report, saying he was using prescription drugs.

Another example involved a Corrections officer who reported a senior officer who "coerced other officers to allow an unauthorized citizen into an inmate center of the prison." The audit report said the senior officer received a "modest discipline," while the reporting officer was "immediately transferred."

A Corrections administrator reportedly later told the officer he had to get "thicker skin." The reporting officer, the audit said, "vowed to never report another employee's wrongdoings."

"If Corrections officers continue to be hesitant to report the wrongdoing of certain officers, the department's mission of safety would be compromised," the auditors concluded.

Auditors expressed concern about some Corrections officials who were promoted despite being under investigation for policy violations, as well as a supervisor who abused authority to get out of a traffic violation, only to have the executive director note in the supervisor's evaluation "(his/her) work has improved the image of the UDC."

"When those charged with investigating employees for wrongdoing are themselves caught in wrongdoing and not disciplined or investigated, it sends a message to employees and the public that management is not equitable and fair with discipline," the auditors wrote.

The co-chairmen of the legislative committee, Senate President John Valentine and House Speaker Greg Curtis, both expressed deep concern about items in the report.

Curtis said he was troubled by evidence that a Corrections officer had asked two local sheriff's deputies to run a criminal background check on someone for personal purposes, in violation of both state and federal law. Curtis asked why the incident never became the subject of an official internal investigation.