Audit Criticizes SFPD for Overtime Spending

A recent audit has criticized the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) for excessive and unregulated overtime spending, highlighting financial mismanagement and policy violations. The report found that over $108 million was spent on overtime during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, with 12% of officers responsible for nearly a third of the hours logged. The audit uncovered that some officers took sick leave to work private security jobs, raising concerns about potential abuse and lack of oversight. This overspending occurred amid San Francisco's significant budget deficits, impacting city services for vulnerable populations. The audit, requested by Supervisor Dean Preston, offered 30 recommendations for change, which the SFPD has reportedly agreed to implement. The department cites understaffing as the primary reason for overtime reliance, with efforts underway to recruit more officers and reduce overtime dependency.