DPS saves $400K from overtime cuts

From cutting back on overtime expenses to the frugal use of office supplies, the Department of Public Safety has looked at all areas to minimize costs in a bid to stay afloat amid depleting government coffers.

DPS deputy commissioners Sandy Tudela and Franklin Babauta last week enumerated the cost-saving measures undertaken by the department, noting that since DPS began reducing overtime three months ago, some $400,000 has been saved in personnel expenses alone.

Even before the executive branch issued expenditure control measures, Col. Babauta said the department already had the resolve to lessen its expenses, particularly by canceling some of its telephone caller ID services, as well as, making wise use of paper supplies.

“We don’t have to have 15 caller ID phones. We can cut it down to regular phones and pay $5 to $7 a month as opposed to a $28 fee per month,” said Babauta. DPS expects to save close to $2,000 from this measure in one year.

“These are pretty minor things but if you look at [it in the long term], we’re saving,” said Babauta, the deputy commissioner for administration.

The DPS management explained that before the overtime reduction and other cost-saving initiatives came into effect, department heads consulted with the DPS personnel to determine the majority’s sentiment.

“We do our own self-study before coming up with this. We have talked to our police officers about it. We have started from superior/management level. We always have a command and staff and Quality Management Council group meetings to help us make the decision.

“The decision is not only coming from the commissioner. It also comes from the QMC and involves civilians from all other ranks. We go over issues, concerns and problems,” he reiterated.

Babauta added that the management has kept open lines of communication with its staff to ensure that they comprehend the situation.

The deputy commissioner noted that during command and staff meetings, DPS personnel are reminded that the cost-savings measures are being implemented because “money is tight.”

“Mass sessions were held before this overtime cuts were implemented. We’re not the only that’s hurting with this,” said Babauta, noting that even police forces in Guam and Hawaii are gripped with similar financial constraints.