The cost of PSNI overtime hours has reached more than £106 million over the past three years, as the Chief Constable admitted the PSNI “do not have the number of officers they require” without the use of overtime.
The PSNI were quizzed over the breakdown of overtime costs from this year and any subsequent financial years since 2021.at Thursday’s meeting of the Policing Board on Thursday.
For the financial year 2021/22 there was £38,170,000 spent, for 2022/23 there was a bill of £33,643,000 and for this financial year of 2023/24 it cost £34,390,000.
The question was posed by policing board member Dr Kate Laverty.
The police were also asked about efforts being made to limit the volume of overtime particular officers can undertake.
Replying, Chief Constable Job Boutcher said that the use of overtime within the PSNI is “carefully managed to ensure it is essential, pre-approved, and fully documented.”
“Approval for overtime is only granted when necessary, after all reasonable alternatives have been considered and excluded,” he said.
“By adhering to these procedures, we aim to achieve a consistent and strategic approach to police overtime management that aligns with the police pay and allowances code, Working Time Regulations 1998, and any applicable workplace agreements, such as those regarding flexible working within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
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He said that the main reason for officers working overtime is due to “budgetary challenges” the organisation is currently facing.
“The reality is the PSNI do not have the number of officers they require to deliver policing without the use of overtime,” he said.
“When overtime is used, the welfare of the officer is a key consideration.
“We acknowledge that because officers demonstrate a willingness to work overtime, it does not relieve the PSNI of its duty of care towards its employees.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA)
“Overtime hours inherently demand additional working hours beyond regular shifts, and as such, it is essential that no officer is expected to work overtime without prior, appropriate approval – this means that the full duties aligned to any officer can be considered in order to ensure additional hours are managed.
“This approach includes preventing practices such as overtime ‘swapping,’ this process can undermine the safeguards put in place to protect officer welfare.”
The Chief Constable added that supervisors help to monitor the number of hours officers work to prevent “excessive strain” on staff.
“Whilst PSNI policies and procedures provide a framework in which overtime can be used, it is important to note that supervisors play a vital role in monitoring overtime hours to prevent excessive strain on their staff,” he said.
“Indeed, any officer who is identified as an individual which significant overtime is supported by a mandated discussion with their supervisor, with the aim of early identification of any wellbeing or personal concerns linked to the officer.”
News Catch Up – Thursday 7 November