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San Francisco Police Department belt-tightens
When budgets get tight, even policing can feel like a math problem. In San Francisco, overtime has long helped cover gaps, but it also costs money. The new limits are meant to slow spending quickly as the city tries to rein in costs.
Following the mayor’s budget-cut directive, SFPD imposed immediate overtime restrictions tied to the city’s deficit. An internal email described a 22% cut to overtime hours at stations citywide. The department says it expects enough staffing to answer emergencies and other calls for service while it tightens its belt.
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San Francisco Police Department and overtime
Overtime is like a spare tire: helpful when you need it, expensive if you drive on it forever. For years, the San Francisco Police Department has relied on overtime to cover shifts. Now, city leaders want departments to depend on it less.
SFPD spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said the department plans to reduce overtime spending for the rest of the fiscal year. He didn’t share numbers, but said the goal is fiscal responsibility. City budget officials have asked departments to help close a deficit by cutting salary and benefit costs.
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San Francisco Police Department staffing gap
It’s hard to cut overtime when you’re already short-staffed. SFPD has said it is short around 500 officers compared with recommended staffing levels. That gap is one reason overtime became a routine tool…