Since 2011, the amount spent on overtime in the Denver Sheriff Department has declined, totaling $9.1 million for 2019 through Dec. 9.

The Denver Post found that equates to $26,624 per day. The high point was $13 million in overtime for all of 2013.

The department is 115 deputies short of its authorized level, and difficulties in hiring and retaining staff are the primary contributor to the need for overtime.

“There’s a tendency for folks in 2019 and 2020 to shy away from public service, and particularly law enforcement careers,” Chief Elias Diggins said, according to The Post. “As we move forward we hope this begins to change.”

Diggins said that the reduction in part has come from stricter scrutiny of overtime shifts — only allowing it when necessary. The department also reassigns five deputies from two housing pods, which close when the population is low enough to allow for it.

Overtime is potentially dangerous because it can lead to fatigue, which in turn can contribute to mistakes on the jobs.

A new class of recruits is expected to begin in March. Starting pay is $58,000. Overtime costs may increase next year again after a new section of the Smith Road jail opens.