NEWPORT BEACH : Police Overtime Since Mid-’70s Is Rejected

The City Council has voted to deny claims made by 27 police officers for uncompensated overtime.

The claims, from past and present patrol sergeants and lieutenants dating back to the mid-1970s, total more than $850,000, according to city records.

City officials have told the officers that the denial of claims Monday is not the last word on the issue, said Sgt. Steve Van Horn, one of those who filed for overtime pay. The City Council voted for denial when it adopted a list of routine items on the Monday agenda.

City Atty. Robert Burnham said he is reviewing each claim and probably will make a recommendation to the City Council on whether it is necessary to take additional action.

The claims are based on a Police Department requirement that patrol sergeants and lieutenants report to work 15 minutes before the start of a shift and remain 15 minutes after the shift’s end to prepare daily briefings, said Van Horn, president of the Newport Beach Police Management Assn.

The claims, which have been filed in the city clerk’s office in the past month, contend that overtime pay for the 30 minutes of extra time is dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“It has gotten to the point where we realize we cannot alter the city policy, and so we have to take some action,” he said. “If nothing happens, we will file a complaint with the federal government and then file legal action.”

Van Horn said the 30 minutes of unpaid overtime is still a requirement for those officers.

The claims come at a time when the police employees unions and the city are deadlocked in a heated contract dispute. Police employees have been working without a contract since last summer and are currently in non-binding mediation with the city.