Maryland Auditors Found $203 Million in Overtime Pay

State auditors identified widespread failures in documented overtime approvals within Maryland correctional facilities.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Maryland Auditors Found $203 Million in Overtime Pay

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During fiscal year 2025, Maryland correctional employees received $203.3 million in overtime pay. Auditors discovered that 1,203 employees exceeded the 80-hour overtime limit 6,631 times throughout the year.

Why it matters

Management attributed the excessive overtime to ongoing staffing shortages and union-mandated leave provisions. The lack of documented pre-approval for millions of dollars in payments highlights significant oversight lapses.

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has recovered $560 in erroneous payments following the audit. Officials are currently working to finalize corrective actions by November 30, 2026.

The players

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

This state agency manages the correctional facilities across Maryland and is responsible for staffing operations.

Office of the Inspector General

This oversight body monitors state agencies and will conduct follow-up reviews to ensure compliance with audit recommendations.

The details

Auditors examined eight facilities and found that four sites failed to document required pre-approval for $50.1 million in overtime. Five employees even worked more than 140 overtime hours in a single pay period.

September 2019 marked the initial identification of approval issues.
Calendar year 2021 saw 6,773 overtime limit violations occur.
August 2023 was the deadline for previously agreed upon measures.
Fiscal year 2025 served as the primary audit period for the $203.3 million figure.
November 30, 2026 is the projected completion date for new corrective actions.

Legal Context

This audit highlights a persistent struggle to manage staffing levels within the bounds of state policy and union agreements. Such oversight challenges remain common as the department navigates high vacancy rates and mandatory 24-hour facility requirements.

The audit findings raise questions regarding the efficient use of taxpayer funds within state-run facilities. Residents should expect increased scrutiny as the state attempts to reconcile staffing shortages with mandatory operational oversight.

The takeaway

The massive overtime figures underscore the ongoing impact of a 10.8% vacancy rate on state payroll budgets. Moving forward, the effectiveness of new policy negotiations will determine if the state can curb these rising labor costs.

What happens next

The department intends to complete its corrective actions by November 30, 2026, and is currently negotiating a new union agreement that may modify existing overtime policies.