Overtime Pay For Peace Officers Assigned To VIPD Delayed Because Of ‘Glitch,’ Richards Says

ST. CROIX — Peace officers from various government departments and agencies were left without their overtime pay this week — monies earned while assigned to the Virgin Islands Police Department through an executive order signed by Governor Kenneth Mapp in December of last year, in an effort to curb gun violence in the territory. These peace officers include personnel from the Waste Management Authority, Department of Health, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the National Guard Military Police.

Officers who spoke to The Consortium on the condition of anonymity fearing backlash, said they had worked long hours with the VIPD, serving night and day, however the monies did not arrive on Thursday, this week being a government pay period. Furthermore, VIPD officials failed to communicate what had occurred, these people said.

The Consortium contacted Finance Commissioner Valdamier Collens, who told us that there were indeed some outstanding funds. Mr. Collens advised the publication to make contact with Police Commissioner Delroy Richards for a clearer understanding of the matter. He did say, however, that once the information was received from the VIPD, it would be processed and the officers would be paid.

Mr. Richards, initially unaware of the problem, made a few calls before speaking. Later, he told The Consortium that in speaking with his chief financial officer, he learned that while the peace officers had received half of their overtime pay, “the second half was submitted to the Department of Finance, but the Notice of Personnel Action (NOPA) did not accompany the time sheets, so the system rejected it.” He said the lapse was caused by a glitch, and explained the payment process for peace officers assigned to the VIPD under special circumstances.

“We are paying the peace officer’s overtime pay from the VIPD’s budget, so the process is like starting a new job, meaning it has to go through the Office of Management and Budget,” Mr. Richards said. He told The Consortium that he would be working with Mr. Collens to administer a late check run so that the affected officers could receive their paychecks by Friday.

The peace officers’ assignment with the VIPD expired at the end of January. However, Winsburt McFarlane, who currently heads DLCA’s enforcement arm, will remain with the force as a special assistant to the commissioner; and has been given “full oversight over special operations and initiatives on St. Croix.”

Feature Image: Police Commissioner Delroy Richards

Image Credit: VIC.