BUDGET Police save in costs for overtime

Nine other departments had budget hearings at city hall.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Changes in the way officers file criminal drug charges have saved the city from paying police overtime to attend court hearings.
During the police department's budget hearing Tuesday at city hall, Capt. Tim Bowers told officials that narcotic officers are now waiting for lab results on drugs confiscated from defendants before filing criminal charges. Also, the commander in charge of the narcotics division is now filing the charge, instead of the individual officer.
"This has saved us $34,700 in court time," Bowers said. He noted the change was implemented by Police Chief John Mandopoulos.
The chief, who declined to talk, sat in the hall for the majority of the hearing.
"Last year at this time, we spent $63,000 in court time," Bowers said. "So far this year we are at $28,300."
The captain also stated that the city saved $5,000 in police overtime. The city has spent about $89,000 this year in department overtime.
"We are doing everything we can" to hold down costs, Bowers said.
The department's total budget is $10.4 million, said Auditor David Griffing.
Next year's plan
For 2005, the department is asking for $100,000 to be set aside for court appearance time and $155,000 for overtime.
Griffing noted that the department probably won't use all that money since it is doing a good job controlling the overtime budgets.
Bowers also asked the auditor if it would be possible to purchase extra equipment. The captain said the department would like to buy a thermal imaging camera and lie-detector equipment.
Griffing asked Bowers to send him a letter detailing what is needed and he will review it.
The police department was one of 10 departments that had budget hearings.
The mayor, safety-service director and auditor are having additional hearings from department heads today.
sinkovich@vindy.com