remedial work included replacement of the existing window frames with security frames and thicker glass and stronger entrance doors. The remedial work was carried out from June to November 1984 and during this period the normal 24-hour security duties performed by staff of the Electronics Division was supplemented by two special security teams, each consisting of five officers of the Electronics Division working overtime. Overtime and subsistence allowances totalling $310,000 were paid to the officers concerned.
142.
I have expressed the view to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services that it would have been more cost-effective to employ a private security service instead of Government officers on overtime for the purpose of performing additional security duties. I pointed out that there was a lack of control over overtime work as there was no record to indicate that overtime work had been authorized in advance. I have suggested that the internal control procedures should be strengthened by requiring overtime work to be authorized in advance and that the cost-effectiveness of working overtime should be evaluated before it is authorized. The Secretary for the Civil Service has concurred with my suggestions and has pointed out to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services that the underlying principles are embodied in Government regulations.
143.
In response to my enquiry, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services has informed me that he shares my view that it was not cost-effective to allow Government officers to work overtime solely for the purpose of providing security service. The Director has stated however that the overtime worked during the period in question was intended to meet other operational needs of the Electronics Division and that during the hours when remedial work was actually being carried out, the security duties must of necessity be performed by the staff of the Electronics Division. The Director has also informed me that all overtime work must now be authorized in advance in accordance with Government regulations and that he has issued instructions to improve the internal control procedures relating to the payment of overtime and related allowances. As it is apparent that a private security service could have been employed at night when remedial work was not being performed, I estimate on the basis of average costs that there would have been a saving of $103,000 if a private security service had been employed instead of using Government staff to perform the same duties by working overtime.