CBC News has uncovered that a Vancouver police sergeant received $239,258 in overtime pay alone last year, in addition to a base salary of up to $158,000. This data, obtained through a freedom of information request to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), reveals a trend of officers earning double or more of their regular pay by working extra hours, contributing to the force exceeding its budget.
Green Party Coun. Pete Fry expressed surprise at the high overtime earnings and called for further clarification on the matter. VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison noted that the top overtime earner was an exception, citing various reasons like backfilling patrol vacancies, protest policing, special event duties, or investigations for the elevated overtime payments.
In 2024, seven constables were paid over $140,000 in overtime, doubling their top salary, while 47 officers received $100,000 or more in overtime, a significant increase from previous years. The VPD is expected to surpass its budget for the second consecutive year, with overtime costs being a major driver of the budget overages.
Former Vancouver Police Board member Faye Wightman questioned the oversight of the escalating overtime expenses and raised concerns about the necessity of maintaining such high levels of overtime within the department. Criminologist Josh Murphy also voiced apprehensions about the sustainability of the increasing overtime spending, highlighting potential issues related to officer burnout and wellness.
Despite these concerns, Addison emphasized that the department is not worried about the current level of overtime, attributing most extra shifts to officers’ personal choices. He reassured that measures are in place to prevent burnout and ensure officer well-being. Additionally, he pointed to the decline in violent crime rates as reported by the city.
The surge in overtime spending coincides with Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s push to freeze property taxes, adding pressure to the city’s financial constraints. The VPD’s budget for 2025 is set at $423 million, with projections indicating an expected $8 million overspend. The department has cited various factors such as protests, Task Force Barrage initiatives, and the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy for the increased spending.
The VPD offers numerous opportunities for officers to work overtime, ranging from extended shifts to standby duties and special event coverage. Addison defended the need for specialized officers to handle overtime assignments, ensuring the safety of the public and officers during events and protests.
While Vancouver is not unique in experiencing a rise in police overtime costs, experts suggest that broader factors such as new collective agreements and the emergence of the Surrey Police Service may contribute to the trend. Calls for a region-wide police service to share costs more effectively have been proposed as a potential solution to manage escalating policing expenses.
As the Vancouver Police Board conducts an audit into overtime practices, the debate over the necessity and sustainability of high overtime spending within the VPD continues amidst financial challenges faced by the city.
