1. Following the Money How to pan for gold among the rubble of government documents Paul D’Ambrosio Asbury Park Press

2. Details, Details There is no easy way around it Copy and examine the supporting documents, paperwork and computer records Don’t trust government to get the details for you Block out time to piece the puzzle together

3. How to do it… If no computer records, buy a portable copier. Your paper will save thousands of dollars in fees Brother DCP-1000, about $200. Put it in a gym bag for easy toting Copy everything, sort it out later Set up a spreadsheet to track dates, amounts and names Small stories yield bigger stories

4. What to look for… Itemized legal bills Computerized check register (no paper) Full contracts details Full bid specifications Maintenance logs Deeds, mortgage notes Inspection reports Salary histories, OT logs Pension records – is an official working two jobs? Employee lists/hire dates Expense reports Legal/bankruptcy filings Telephone call records

7. Fun facts you can uncover Private attorneys getting government salaries Political contributors getting “no-bid” jobs Expensive equipment not being used Overcharges Abuse of overtime Nepotism Abuse of travel and food expenses Criminal collusion

9. Test promises…

10. Caveats and such Documents can only take you so far Rely on sources early on to help point the way Listen to credible tips Confront officials with evidence/press them for changes Keep the human impact in mind – What does this mean to me, the reader?