From the News & Observer on the Durham overtime debacle in the police department:
A city audit has found at least $60,000 in overtime paid to a Durham police officer “was not justifiable or reasonable” and that lax oversight by department officials contributed to the abuse.
Deputy Chief B.J. Council, who signed off on the overtime, will retire as of Dec. 31, Police Chief Jose Lopez said this afternoon. Beginning Monday, Council will be on personal leave until the end of the year. She is a 31-year veteran of the Durham police, Lopez said.
In any place I’ve ever worked, this action would result in firing, not retirement.
What’s more, the story says the police chief knew about the overtime in April. More from the N&O (emphasis is mine):
Based on work logs, Robinson-Taylor, claimed to have worked 79 hours per week, which including working on days while on leave.
Police Chief Jose Lopez and Deputy Chief Council failed to act when notified of the excessive amount of overtime and compensatory time in April 2009. Even as late as Sept. 11, Robinson-Taylor received $3,128.44 of overtime with no daily supporting documentation for the time claimed.
The Police Department failed to monitor Robinson-Taylor’s work time.
This was an isolated case; nothing was found to indicate overtime abuse by any other city employee.
“I want to publicly apologize to the citizens of Durham,” Bonfield said. “I am personally embarrassed and embarrassed for the Police Department.” Despite this incident, Bonfield said he still has full faith and confidence in Lopez.
Huh?
