by Mike O’Deane
As we approach the end of 2023, looking back at the year can be inspiring – all that hard work over the past 11 months has resulted in great progress and achievements that we can be proud of. It also shows how much can be gained through consistent effort and perseverance.
One of the ongoing primary concerns of deputies has been mandatory overtime. As we entered 2023, deputies assigned to DSB were working 12.5 hours of overtime every week, which amounted to 25 hours per pay period. Throughout the year, the DSA and the department worked together on ways to reduce mandatory overtime.
This mandatory overtime was reduced to 12.5 hours each pay period, and then reduced again, to 12.5 hours per month, effective November 17, 2023. This is a significant decrease in mandatory overtime hours that must be worked by deputies.
We have made great progress in 2023 and will continue to collaborate and advocate for the total elimination of mandatory overtime, and to incentivize voluntary overtime. Many incentive options have been presented to the department and the county to properly compensate deputies when working overtime at hard-to-fill shift vacancies.
As we move into 2024, the DSA will continue advocating for all members. We will continue to work to ensure deputies are given the respect and appreciation they deserve. We are making multiple improvements to the DSA Store and have been working diligently on becoming an authorized dealer for several companies to offer better products to deputies and offer better pricing. Check out the store website to see deals of the month and current firearm inventory at dsasd.org/dsastore.
Turn the page to look at some of the achievements we have made this year.
At the time of going to press, voting for the DSA Board of Directors had just concluded. We will have some exciting updates for you about the results of that election soon, and the newly elected directors will take office on January 11, 2024.
I hope you’ll join me in welcoming and supporting our entire board in 2024, as we continue to prioritize the issues affecting our members and our association. Your input and involvement are vital to the success of our mission, and we always appreciate your voice.
Stay safe and take care of one another.