East Haven overtime soars for police retirements

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Accusations that some East Haven police officers profiled Latinos have led to ballooning overtime costs to cover retirements and officers on administrative leave.

The New Haven Register reports that the police department spent $892,481 on overtime in the last budget year, which was nearly $400,000 more than budgeted. Vacancies have resulted due in large part to a federal investigation into accusations that some officers profiled Latinos.

Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. said much of the overtime is due to problems with what he called "the past officers" and police who are out injured.

Town government reported 19 retirements in the last budget year, totaling $531,447. Eleven police retirements totaled $364,736.

Four officers have been on paid administrative leave after a federal probe alleges they discriminated against Latinos.

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Information from: New Haven Register