Summary:

Mayor Adams implements a city-wide crackdown on excessive overtime pay following an NYPD sex-for-overtime scandal.
NYPD, FDNY, Department of Correction, and Department of Sanitation are the targeted agencies.
The scandal involves former NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey and Lt. Quathisha Epps, the highest-paid NYPD employee last year.
New rules include stricter oversight, monthly reports, and commissioner review of top overtime earners.
Emergency overtime is still permitted, but non-emergency overtime may be reduced to compensate for emergency overspending.

NYC Mayor Adams Targets Overtime Spending After NYPD Scandal

Following allegations of a sex-for-overtime scandal within the NYPD, Mayor Eric Adams has announced a city-wide crackdown on excessive overtime pay. The directive, issued Monday, targets four city agencies: NYPD, FDNY, Department of Correction, and Department of Sanitation.

These departments, according to Adams, account for a disproportionate share of overtime spending. The new rules aim to ensure that overtime is used responsibly and in accordance with city guidelines. City Hall will oversee compliance, with three offices and the Office of Management and Budget working with the affected departments to create and monitor detailed overtime reduction plans.

The NYPD Scandal

The crackdown comes in the wake of the scandal involving former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who is accused of pressuring an underling, Lt. Quathisha Epps, for sex in exchange for overtime. Epps, the highest-paid NYPD employee last year with over $200,000 in overtime pay, has accused Maddrey of sexual harassment. Maddrey denies the allegations but resigned shortly after the allegations surfaced. Epps is currently fighting to have her suspension lifted.

New Overtime Rules

The new rules include:

Monthly reports and meetings with oversight offices.
Remediation plans if overtime isn't reduced sufficiently.
Commissioners must personally review top overtime earners every three months to ensure equitable distribution and prevent abuse.
Stricter approval processes for overtime.

While emergency overtime will still be allowed, non-emergency overtime may need to be reduced if emergency costs cause overspending.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has begun a department-wide clean-up, including high-profile personnel changes.

Source: New York Post