The Clarkstown Police Department shelled out a whopping $2.8 million in overtime last year, according to a Journal News report.

Much of the money went to officers who already earned more than $100,000 in salary. Officers are paid overtime for responding to emergency calls at the end of their shifts, having to appear in court or to fill in for officers who call out sick.

Last year, the department spent $400,000 more than it originally budget for overtime, which is paid at one and a half times an officer's regular pay rate. Some critics believe it's wasteful spending.

"In the short run, overtime is the answer," says retired NYPD Chief Marvin Krivitzky, who lives in New City. "In the long run, it's probably more economical to hire new ? younger [people] at a lower rate."The Clarkstown Police Department has reportedly tried to reduce overtime costs, but still budgets more for overtime than other Rockland County towns.

News 12 Hudson Valley contacted the Clarkstown town supervisor and the Clarkstown police chief for comment; neither was available.