Phoenix police overtime costs surpassed $7 million due to protests

PHOENIX — Protests against police violence following the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis led the Phoenix Police Department to pay out more than $7 million in overtime costs.

For over 30 days protesters took the streets and demanded transparency and accountability from Phoenix police over use-of-force tactics, with some demonstrators calling for the department to be partially defunded.

As tens of thousands were estimated to have gathered in Phoenix from May 28 through June 30, Phoenix police deployed an all hands on deck approach that led to a total overtime expense of $7,241,094.00

“These demonstrations were different in the sense that we mobilized the full department,” Sgt. Mercedes Fortune told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

This meant that all 3,042 police officers within the Phoenix Police Department were on duty around the clock. No matter their rank, assignment, or precinct — all sworn members were on duty.

“Everyone was coming into work to ensure we had coverage throughout the city,” Fortune added. “Our detectives and people that wouldn’t normally be in a uniform had to show up and be in a uniform and be ready to go and assist during these demonstrations.”

Fortune said officers’ shifts were anywhere from 10 to 13 hours long, some of whom worked over 20 days straight.

“The first couple of days for us were the busiest — when we were seeing a lot of the criminal damage and criminal activity that was occurring,” Fortune said.

Officers’ physical health was a major concern during the protests as many had worked through excessive heat warnings. The Phoenix Fire Department confirmed to KTAR News 92.3 FM that they regularly treated officers for heat exhaustion and were often administering IVs before officers reported to duty.

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