Police investigation of lost iPhone costs department $740 in overtime wages

In January 2011, police chief Michael Meehan launched an investigation to find his son's lost iPhone that ultimately cost the city of Berkeley, California, $740 in overtime, reports Berkeleyside. The news agency notes that detectives receive $90.26 an hour if they work more than 40 in a pay period, while sergeants get $98.63 per hour.

The phone was reported stolen out of a locker in a Berkeley school and Meehan ordered a search involving 10 officers, some member of the drug task force. Four of the officers received premium pay because the investigation pushed them into overtime.

Police department spokeswoman Sgt. Mary Kusmiss said it isn't uncommon for officers to  investigate lost electronic devices using a tracking signal. Unfortunately, Meehan's son's iPhone stopped sending signals during the investigation and the device was never recovered. The police chief has since been criticized for his decisions during the investigation.

Departments and agencies that are required to pay employees overtime for remote work can invest in a mobile timeclock system. This would allow supervisors to monitor employee attendance anytime, anywhere so they can make more informed payroll decisions.