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Police officers upset over new policy

Members of the fraternal order of police are voicing displeasure over a move made by the County Attorney's Office and police department brass.

In this day and age, overtime is a big plus for many people.  For police officers, a lot of the that OT is by going to court.  But court time for many is being cut.

At night traffic court at the Hall of Justice in Louisville, it's always crowded with defendants prosecutors and police.

As we reported earlier in the week, changes are already in place.  Appearances by police in court on traffic and misdemeanor cases are being cut and the union is furious.

"It is something that will affect an officer's paycheck and definitely something that we thought we should have talked to before," said John McGuire, Fraternal Order of Police.

The county attorney and police brass believe in some cases, it's a waste of time and money for officers to appear in court, during the early stages of a case.

Often times cases are resolved without the need for police and witnesses.  The FOP says many officers will lose money in overtime pay.

"I believe anybody in any profession, if anybody can do something to get a little bit more money in their pockets, it's important when it's something as court pay that's been a continued part of their employment throughout their careers, it's important that they be able to keep that up," said McGuire.

According to an internal audit of Metro Police court pay, court pay expenditures were about $833,000 for the first half of fiscal year 2008.

Police are paid a determined amount and get overtime pay depending on the duration of court appearances.

The union is also agitated.

"We had mentioned before, we were willing to talk over the issue and for them to come out ahead of time and say we were willing to talk over the issue, and not be talked to, yes I have an issue with that," said McGuire.