After describing the study methodology, the article lists the key findings of the survey of 36 police agencies regarding their inspections/auditing function. The evolution of the staff inspection/auditing process is briefly traced, followed by a discussion of the auditing's focus on the management system of controls. Also discussed are line versus staff inspections, the objectives of staff inspections, types of staff inspections, general operational features, and phases of a staff inspection. The primary purpose of a staff inspections/auditing unit is noted to be the assessment of the adequacy of management control systems as related to reliability and integrity of information; compliance with rules, regulations and policies; safeguarding of assets; economic and efficient use of resources; quality of performance; and professional standards. This study concludes that this function is a vital link in the overall management process. It advises that although the staff inspections function may not show immediate quantifiable results, such as an increase in the number of citations or arrests, over time it improves the police mission by guiding improvements in critical control systems throughout the agency. 9 notes.