The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office implemented a temporary overtime program to help fight crime in the city.
Action News Jax obtained an email that was sent to every Jacksonville sheriff’s officer Friday.
In it, JSO employees are asked to work more overtime hours. The expanded OT is open for community service officers, officers, sergeants and lieutenants, according to the email.
JSO said the program focuses on three key areas: enforcement, community outreach and police presence.
The officers are encouraged to answer calls for service, focus on hot spots or current crime issues in their zone, traffic enforcement, etc.
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JSO said the overtime will be on a voluntary basis, unless no one steps up.
Officers are allowed to work whenever they want, as long as they do not work more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period.
The email said the program ends March 18, which is the day before the March election in which Jacksonville voters will elect the next sheriff and mayor.
Both Sheriff Mike Williams and Mayor Lenny Curry are running for re-election.
JSO implemented a temporary overtime program to help fight crime in the city. Details on the program and how long it's going to be in place, at 6 p.m. on CBS47/FOX30 @ActionNewsJax.
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) January 21, 2019
Action News Jax reached out to JSO to find out if the upcoming election has anything to do with the move and how much it’s going to cost taxpayers.
An Action News Jax source said a JSO sergeant could make up to $900 a day in overtime. JSO said officers will be required to report their overtime to the duty supervisor.
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