Phoenix Police Department employees have racked up more than $1 million in overtime related to the launch of their new record-keeping system.
After the new record-management system (RMS) launched in mid-October, officials said the department has recorded 19,000 hours of overtime at a cost of $1.1 million. The figure was current as of April 27.
ABC15 has been reporting on the installation, launch and performance of the new record-keeping system for more than a year.
Phoenix spent $30 million to overhaul its record-keeping system and replace many of the department’s computers.
The launch was delayed for months and has been marred by issues, including lost reports, a reduction in efficiency and released suspects. Multiple officers throughout the department have also told ABC15 that the new system bogs down police work and greatly lengthens the time it takes to book a suspect into jail.
But department officials have downplayed or denied many of the issues.
Phoenix police have also been slow to release public records related to the launch of the system. In November, ABC15 requested emails from department officials, as well as overtime figures, and any audits or reviews of the new computer system.
So far, only overtime figures have been released and a few emails from one official.
Contact ABC15 Investigator Dave Biscobing at dbiscobing@abc15.com.
