One Minneapolis police lieutenant earned about 500,000 last year amid record overtime costs

Minneapolis police lieutenant Robert Berry earned around $500,000 in 2024, primarily from overtime, as the department faced unprecedented overtime costs of $28 million. This figure reflects a $12 million surplus over the budget, driven by staffing shortages following the unrest after George Floyd's murder. The police force has dwindled from about 900 officers to 560, the lowest in four decades, prompting investigations into overtime claims. Chief Brian O'Hara announced inquiries into at least three officers for policy violations, particularly regarding required breaks between shifts. He has mandated quarterly audits and reinforced accountability measures for supervisors approving overtime.

The new memo issued by O'Hara has reportedly caused significant pushback among supervisors. O'Hara's efforts to address the situation include prioritizing officers for open shifts and reducing late-night shift hours. This ongoing scrutiny highlights the challenges facing the department in managing resources and maintaining compliance amid staffing crises.