Mixed Reaction from Cops to Overtime Directive

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The rank and file at the Department of Public Safety have welcomed news that Governor Lolo Moliga has instructed his directors who deal with finances to find the money to pay outstanding overtime.

But they are not hiding their skepticism that it may just be all talk and no action.

The governor called a special meeting Sunday evening to discuss overtime not only of police officers but other departments like Public Works, Port Administration and Department of Education.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Lolo directed that Treasury and Budget find the money to pay the overtime.

A nearly 20 year veteran of DPS said this is not the first time they’ve heard the same orders being given by the governor but in the end they are told there’s no money so police overtime is not paid.

He said maybe with this year being a gubernatorial election year, their overtime will finally be paid.

Commissioner of Public Safety Save Liuato said one of the options being offered to employees who have amassed unpaid overtime is to use those hours for when they go off island or take time off from work, instead of using their annual leave.

The benefit of saving annual leave, according to Save, is that unused annual leave is paid out when the person resigns or retires.

However there is also a limit on unused annual leave that can be compensated.

DPS’ second quarter performance report shows the department had leftover funds when actual expenditures are compared to the budgeted amount.

DPS expenditures for January to March of this year were budgeted at $3.6 million but actual spending was $3.2 million with encumbrances of $85,250.

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