S.F. supervisors begrudgingly greenlight big boost to SFPD overtime

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved $61 million in overtime funding for the police department, despite a 9-2 vote reflecting significant concerns about budgeting practices. District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey expressed regret over the decision, arguing it underscored an unhealthy reliance on overtime for public safety. This funding approval arrives amidst an $818 million budget shortfall, leading to potential cuts in other city services. Supervisors criticized the police department's management, referencing a recent audit that revealed troubling overtime trends, including possible fraud linked to a minority of officers. The audit indicated that just 12 percent of officers accounted for nearly a third of overtime hours, raising questions about record-keeping and accountability.

The police department is facing a staffing shortage of about 500 officers, contributing to the increased overtime expenses. In addition to the police funding, the board also approved $30 million for anticipated overtime for the sheriff's department. Calls for better management and accountability from the police department are likely to intensify as the city navigates its financial challenges.