NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A recent audit done by the New Orleans Office of Inspector General focused on the policies of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office during the 2023 Carnival season. OIG officials said the objective of the audit was to determine if the OPSO properly implemented and complied with practices surrounding off-duty details and Supplemental Mardi Gras coverage worked by deputies and employees. During the audit it was found that the OPSO did not maintain proper documentation of off-duty details, the documents did not record all details worked or have required information and policies for off-duty details did not comply with best practices. Reward increased for information in August Harvey fatal shooting Additionally, during Mardi Gras coverage, the report states that the OPSO used premium supplemental Mardi Gras coverage pay to calculate the regular rate used to determine overtime pay. This resulted in an overpayment of $259,758 in overtime. Other findings include, employees worked 15 consecutive hours without written consent, employees worked 15 consecutive without the required nine hours off and they worked supplemental Mardi Gras coverage while on leave without written consent. OPSO also reportedly recorded holiday hours as hours worked before the holiday came, resulting in a $21,407 overpayment of overtime. As a result, the OIG recommended the following for OPSO regarding off-duty details: OPSO should commit additional staff to administer off-duty details, update its written Standard Operating Procedures to reflect actual procedures, and consider implementing a centralized “contract” system to administer off-duty details. OPSO should update its Standard Operating Procedures to include the required items OPSO supervisors must review when approving Off-Duty Detail Authorization Forms and provide training to ensure the procedures are implemented correctly. OPSO should review its policies for off-duty details annually and compare them to the latest best practices. OPSO should update any policies that do not meet best practices to ensure compliance. Gov. Jeff Landry to christen new commercial barge line mariner in New Orleans Regarding supplemental Mardi Gras coverage, the OIG recommended: OPSO should work with its payroll provider to ensure holidays are credited when they fall on the calendar and review that holiday hours were recorded correctly before approval of overtime. OPSO should provide training to those responsible for approving employee time cards to only approve exceptions to Standard Operating Procedure when proper approval has been given. OPSO supervisors who approve timecards should verify that employees under their supervision did not work overtime when leave was taken without authorized approval. OPSO released the following response to the report: Today, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) reaffirms our commitment to the ongoing improvements within our agency, guided by transparency and accountability. We have reviewed the findings presented in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. In our official response to the OIG report titled "Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Off Duty Details and Mardi Gras Pay Audit,” we addressed key findings with detailed context, underscoring the progress OPSO has made in recent years to improve our systems and tools to support staff efficiency. While we respect the role of oversight, we are also committed to ensuring that all reports accurately reflect the operational complexities and improvements within our agency. Assertions Regarding Mardi Gras Payments We welcome constructive dialogue that supports our continuous path forward toward achieving a just and constitutional environment for everyone we serve. However, the OIG’s assertion that OPSO overpaid deputies for overtime worked during the 2023 Mardi Gras season is an inaccurate legal interpretation and a gross mischaracterization that ignores pertinent facts and misapplies federal regulations. Furthermore, OPSO’s outside counsel received an informal opinion from the U.S. Department of Labor, which indicated the way our deputies were compensated for their extended service during Mardi Gras was consistent with all state and federal laws. Findings Regarding Off-Duty Detail Operations Many of the recommendations regarding OPSO’s off duty detail operations are in the process of being implemented. The detail department has minimal staffing (1 deputy & 1 administrative assistant), outdated administrative processes and policy, and lacks the technology needed for efficient management and tracking. OPSO is actively working to modernize and strengthen the off-duty detail department through strategic technological, structural, and staffing improvements. — OPSO is in the contracting phase with a technology company to implement a web-based system that will automate about 80% of tasks related to off-duty detail operations scheduled to go live by January 2025. — OPSO is restructuring the off-duty detail department by assigning a Deputy Chief to lead and provide oversight. — An ongoing audit of all policies and forms related to off-duty details is underway to improve clarity, compliance, and efficiency. — The recently established inspections division within the Compliance and Accountability Bureau (CAB) will oversee adherence to administrative protocols and policies specific to off-duty details. Questions Regarding Inspector General’s Integrity & Professionalism We believe it is essential to address not only the report's findings but also the broader context in which it was produced. It is apparent that the OIG’s pursuit of oversight has become overshadowed by a personal and unprofessional agenda by the Inspector General himself.I have received reports from a confidential source of documented instances in which the Inspector General has made vile, vulgar, and offensive comments about myself and other women leaders in New Orleans in the presence of OIG staff and other agencies. Since receiving the disheartening news about the IG’s misogynistic view of women leaders, I have tried my best to get all information regarding an investigation by the New Orleans Ethics Review Board, but it has been shielded from the public and myself. The IG’s comments, as well as the failure to address complaints about them, make it doubtful that any report produced by the OIGs office is based on the integrity and impartiality needed of the OIG's oversight. I encourage all New Orleanians to read these reports with scrutiny, focusing on the language used, to come to your own conclusion of whether these are objective constructive criticisms of my administration or biased motive-driven attempts to disparage a woman in leadership. I implore you to scrutinize not only my administration but all New Orleans agencies especially when they are tainted with leadership that engages in misogynistic, offensive and reprehensible statements about women and specifically women in leadership. OPSO Remains Committed to our Mission Our commitment to upholding the values of justice, equality, and respect remains steadfast. OPSO will continue to strive for reform and transparency, despite attempts by some to undermine this mission. We urge the community to see beyond the noise of biased agendas and recognize the work being done daily to ensure OPSO is a model of constitutional and humane operations. Sheriff Hutson stands firm in her commitment to the people of Orleans Parish and will not be deterred by those who seek to hinder progress. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Watch: Jon Sumrall previews Tulane's matchup with Navy Threat of severe weather on Wednesday New Orleans Saints, businesses host holiday food giveaway Personal care product use during pregnancy may increase exposure to ‘forever chemicals’: study Homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Mahomes, Kelce were burglarized in October: police reports