San Diego Police Reduce Overtime Spending, Near Budget Goals

SDPD implements data-driven strategies to control persistent overtime costs

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is reporting significant progress in controlling overtime expenses, a persistent issue that has plagued the city's budget for over a decade. After exceeding overtime budgets in 12 of the last 13 fiscal years, the department anticipates staying close to its allocated $45.3 million for the current fiscal year, which began in July.

Why it matters

For years, San Diego has struggled with escalating police overtime costs, often exceeding budgeted amounts by several million dollars. This turnaround in overtime spending is crucial for the city, which is currently facing a $17 million budget deficit and implementing measures to increase revenue.

The details

A key factor in this turnaround is the implementation of a new, comprehensive monitoring process that provides command staff with real-time visibility into how overtime funds are being utilized. The SDPD is now focusing on strategic overtime allocation, shifting away from blanket coverage to targeted deployments based on data analysis. The department is also leveraging data to optimize shift scheduling, aligning staffing with peak demand periods. Additionally, SDPD has introduced a centralized system for allocating overtime, prioritizing assignments based on necessity.

  • The current fiscal year began in July 2025.
  • The SDPD reached a high of $57.2 million in overtime spending a decade ago.
  • The SDPD's overtime spending fell to $55.1 million last year.

The players

San Diego Police Department (SDPD)

The municipal police department responsible for law enforcement in the city of San Diego, California.

Scott Wahl

The current police chief of the San Diego Police Department.

Todd Gloria

The mayor of the city of San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.