Jail Overtime

Jail Overtime

Management Study

Report No. 99-05

Paul Walker, C.P.A., C.M.A., C.I.A., Financial Auditor

Introduction
Study Objectives
Study Scope
Major Findings:

Finding 1 - Overtime Expenditures at County Correctional Facilities Dropped From $2.8 Million to $1.6 Million (43%) From 1994 to 1996, but Increased From $1.6 Million to $3.2 Million (103%) From 1996 to 1998.
Finding 2 - The Department of Adult Detention Has Not Conducted a Study to Determine the Feasibility of Creating Part-Time Corrections Officer Positions.

INTRODUCTION

The study of Department of Adult Detention (DAD) overtime was requested by the Metropolitan King County Council and was included in the Auditor’s Office 1998 work program. The study was prompted by the Council’s interest in reducing overtime at the jail.

The King County Auditor’s Office has completed two previous studies of overtime at the Department of Adult Detention: Report No. 92-9, "Special Study: Department of Adult Detention and Department of Youth Services Overtime" issued on February 5, 1993, and Report No. 94-12, "Special Study: Jail Overtime Study Follow-Up" issued on May 28, 1996. These previous studies noted an increase in overtime expenditures from 1986 through 1994.

This study focuses on overtime incurred during 1994 through 1998 and shows various expenditure amounts from prior years to present a historical perspective.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review overtime expenditures for the Department of Adult Detention from 1994 through 1998 to determine whether overtime expenditures have increased or decreased. The study also reviewed the department’s status of exploring the feasibility of utilizing part-time corrections officer positions as recommended in the "Jail Overtime Study Follow-Up," Report No. 94-12.

STUDY SCOPE

The scope of the study focused on overtime expenditures incurred by the Department of Adult Detention during 1994-1998. The Regional Justice Center (RJC) in Kent opened during March 1997. Overtime amounts and other expenditures shown for 1997 and 1998 include the RJC unless stated otherwise.

MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Finding 1. Overtime expenditures at county correctional facilities dropped from $2.8 million to $1.6 million (43%) from 1994 to 1996, but increased from $1.6 million to $3.2 million (103%) from 1996 to 1998.

Overtime expenditures for the Department of Adult Detention (DAD), excluding the Regional Justice Center, fluctuated during 1994 through 1998 from $2.8 million to $3.2 million. The overtime amounts and the factors which appeared to contribute to the changes in overtime for the period 1994 through 1998 are discussed in the study.

The audit recommended that the Department of Adult Detention continue its efforts to monitor, review, and control overtime expenditures.

Finding 2. The Department of Adult Detention has not conducted a study to determine the feasibility of creating part-time corrections officer positions.

One objective of this study was to determine DAD’s status in reviewing the use of part-time corrections officers.

DAD to date has not explored the feasibility of utilizing part-time corrections officer positions as the executive response to audit report 94-12 stated they would do.

The audit recommended that DAD complete a study to determine the feasibility of employing part-time corrections officers. The DAD study should include the costs and benefits of part-time employees.

Updated: 07/22/02

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