Dallas Oversight Committee Reviews Comp Time and Overtime Policies for New Recruits

During a recent budget workshop held on August 5, 2025, Collin County officials discussed pressing issues surrounding the county's law enforcement training and overtime policies, raising concerns about the management of new recruits and their accrued compensatory time.

A significant point of discussion was the alarming amount of compensatory time and overtime accrued by new hires within their first 90 days. Reports indicated that some recruits had accumulated as much as 60 hours of comp time, with an average of 18 hours per officer. This raised questions about the scheduling practices and whether the current policies adequately support the training of new officers without overburdening them.

Commissioners expressed their surprise at the high levels of comp time, particularly noting that some recruits were already working overtime within their initial weeks. The conversation highlighted a potential disconnect in the county's training policies, specifically regarding why recruits earn comp time instead of overtime during training sessions. Officials acknowledged the need to investigate these practices further to ensure that new officers are not being overworked during their training period.

In addition to the training concerns, the budget workshop also addressed the financial implications of overtime costs. The county is projecting a need for $3.2 million for overtime in the upcoming fiscal year, which includes provisions for emergencies and natural disasters. This figure reflects a broader trend of increasing operational costs, including a 4% salary increase and a 20% rise in construction costs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to review the training schedules and comp time policies to ensure they align with the county's goals of effective law enforcement and community safety. As Collin County prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, these discussions underscore the importance of balancing budgetary constraints with the well-being of its law enforcement personnel and the community they serve.