PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A new analysis of city finances has revealed that the Phoenix Police Department spent a staggering $98 million in overtime during the past fiscal year, an expense driven mainly by the department’s ongoing staffing shortage.
At a recent Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting, city officials confirmed the department is currently short about 500 officers. This shortfall has forced many officers to work extended hours to meet minimum staffing requirements.
“It just seems like at some level, we’re desperate,” one city official said during the meeting.
Darrell Kriplean, the president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), said the effects of the staffing gap extend beyond financial strain.
“If someone doesn’t fill those shifts, they go unfilled and that creates a safety issue not only for our officers but for the community as well,” Kriplean said.
The report revealed that nearly 40% of overtime in fiscal year 2024–2025 was directly tied to staffing shortages, with the second-largest cause being officer call-outs.
With fewer officers available, those on duty are often asked to work additional hours, a situation that raises concerns about fatigue, burnout, and the ability to respond promptly to emergencies.
“This highlights that overtime is a significant challenge for the department. One that must be managed very closely,” said Kevin Robinson, chair of the Public Safety and Justice (PSJ) subcommittee.
The issue isn’t new. Police officials said the department has been dealing with recruitment and retention problems for years.
While the department has recently ramped up recruitment efforts, with 2024 seeing more applicants than in previous years, attrition remains a significant hurdle. According to city data, about 30% of new recruits in the past three years have dropped out.
In response, the city has taken several steps to address the crisis:
- A dedicated committee was established in 2023 to analyze overtime data and recommend policy changes.
- New tools have been developed to better monitor overtime usage and track employee hours.
- Policies are being revised to limit excessive work hours.
- The city is also working with an independent auditor to ensure compliance with these changes.
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