Scoppetta Puts Cap On Non-Firefighting OT

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta March 27 announced a new policy of limiting the number of overtime hours firefighters and fire marshals can perform in non-firefighting duties.

Effective immediately, the policy has a yearly cap of 325 hours that employees in these titles can work doing administrative and discretionary functions. The move, which Mr. Scoppetta said would not affect public safety, is meant to curb what he saw as excessive overtime in the department.

"This policy will result in a moreequitable distribution of necessary overtime spending for training and administrative functions," Mr. Scoppetta said in a statement.

The Commissioner also established the Overtime Control Office to oversee the new rules. Firefighters can apply to take more overtime hours in these duties with the approval of the Chief of Department. A.P.