MIAMI – A battle regarding overtime hours is brewing between the Miami-Dade Police Department and county leaders.
Overtime is apparently off the table and officers believe it impacts investigations.
Cuts in overtime, comp time and training at MDPD are being discussed, though none of it can happen without approval.
That’s what Local 10 News is hearing from multiple sources within the department.
Per sources, investigative entities within the police department, like homicide or K-9, are seeing cutbacks in resources that would normally be utilized within the department and for outside agencies, and that is compromising several investigations.
The cutbacks are expected until January, which is when the new sheriff, now an elected position, officially takes office.
As far as any budget cuts go, South Florida PBA President Stedman Stahl spoke to Local 10 News about the possibility.
“I can only tell you, the budget hearing that just took place, the question was specifically asked to the mayor and the budget finance director was there enough funding for the police department, and the answer was yes,” Stahl said. “In fact, there was an 8% increase to it as well.”
And that 8% is an increase in the overall budget, including officer payouts and collective bargaining agreements.
The mayor’s office says there have been no cuts in overtime and that they have allotted extra funding — a future services reserve — which is to ensure they are prepared for any contingencies that arise in the unprecedented budget.
Sources tell Local 10 the main concern is transparency with where the funds are being allotted to.
Those same sources said their concern is closely monitoring overtime, that it will limit officers to do their work in the safest manner, but the department does not anticipate any change in public safety and the way investigations are being run.
They want to hold people more accountable to where money is going.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels sent an email to MDPD staff regarding this issue on Wednesday afternoon that was obtained by Local 10 News. It read:
Good afternoon MDPD family,
I wanted to take a moment to follow up on the recent meeting held with Command Staff regarding the preliminary MDPD budget and that the correct information has been shared.
As discussed with the Command Staff, we must be responsive and fiscally responsible as leaders and managers within the Department. Each of us is responsible for ensuring that we manage our budgets carefully and with accountability. However, I want to make it clear that in the information provided it was never stated that the use of overtime was being restricted or prohibited.
As always, overtime should continue to be utilized when necessary and for planned operations that are critical to curbing or stopping crime. Similarly, compensatory time has not been restricted; it is, like overtime, to be granted when required and in support of departmental operations.
It’s important to note that, as stated during the budget hearing (at the Board of County Commission) MDPD’s budget has not been cut. There is a reserve being held for the new Sheriff and all constitutional officers, and we will continue to operate with fiscal responsibility while ensuring that our mission is fully supported.
Thank you for your dedication to the Department and for your continued commitment to being responsible stewards of our resources. Should you have any further questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Regard,
Stephanie V. Daniels, Director Miami-Dade Police Department