S.F. supervisors ask Why hasnt SFPD addressed overtime abuse?

San Francisco supervisors expressed frustration over the police department's persistent overtime issues during a recent budget hearing. An audit revealed that SFPD's overtime costs reached $108 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year, significantly higher than the $53 million reported in 2018-19. Supervisor Shamann Walton emphasized the department's chronic underbudgeting, while Assistant Chief David Lazar cited a staffing crisis as a primary reason for the overtime spike, with the department down 500 officers. The audit also uncovered serious internal control deficiencies, including that 12% of officers generated 32% of overtime hours. The supervisors voted to advance a $92 million overtime request, highlighting ongoing concerns about mismanagement and its effects on public confidence.

Issues included officers violating sick leave policies and working side jobs while calling in sick. Supervisors noted that accountability for policy violations was lacking, as few officers faced discipline for abusing the overtime system. The conversation underscored the need for reform in the SFPD to restore trust within the community.