Garfield, New Jersey Police Chief Seeks Huge Comp Time Payout

GARFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A police chief in northern New Jersey put in a huge request for comp time that left some local officials irked.

Garfield Mayor Joe Delaney admits Police Chief Kevin Amos is entitled to the payout at retirement, but the bill could cost the city as much as $33,000.

WCBS 880's Jim Smith reports

The 410 hours the chief is hoping to cash in on included attending events like a tree lighting and city council meetings.

"We are going to go through the hours and see what determines that he might not be entitled to comp time, that I feel," Mayor Delaney told WCBS 880's Jim Smith. "What I'm upset about [are] some of the situations that the chief actually put in," Delaney said.

The price tag has some members of the city council fuming, arguing that work should fall under the chief's annual $168,000 salary.

"Common sense overrules any contract and I don't think the chief used his common sense in certain areas," Delaney told Smith.

Amos has defended his comp time request, telling The Record he works long hours because his staff has been reduced.

A call by WCBS 880 to Amos has not been returned.

What do you think about the chief's request? Do you think he's entitled to the comp time payout? Share your thoughts below...