As part of ongoing data analysis, the Office of Auditor of Accounts (AOA) used Statewide data to identify top earners of overtime. After the events at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) on February 1, 2017, AOA focused on the Department of Correction (DOC) to provide factual and analytical information to Governor Carney’s Independent Review Team. AOA used DOC payroll data to analyze overtime payments for each of DOC’s divisions, identify individuals with highest overtime payments as a percentage of their salary, compare DOC overtime payments to those of other State of Delaware (State) departments, and review overtime trends by pay period for the current fiscal year.

Our analysis showed that the State paid employees approximately $57 and $46 million in overtime during Fiscal Year 2016 and 2017, respectively. Nearly $22 million of those costs were paid by DOC in Fiscal Year 2016 and $17 million in Fiscal Year 2017, with the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center incurring the highest overtime costs. The $17 million in overtime during Fiscal Year 2017 was paid at an average of $838,839 per pay period. Also, over 75% of all DOC employees received overtime with the highest earner receiving approximately $76,000 in overtime during Fiscal Year 2016.

For the full results of the inspection, please see the report.

If you have any questions, please contact R. Thomas Wagner, State Auditor, at 302-739-5055 or r.thomas.wagner@delaware.gov.

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