207(k) Exemption

As previously discussed, the executive, administrative and professional exemptions from overtime pay do not apply to police officers, detectives, investigators, inspectors, park rangers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, ambulance personnel, rescue workers, hazardous materials workers, and similar employees regardless of rank or pay level who perform work such as preventing, controlling or extinguishing fires of any type; rescuing fire, crime or accident victims; preventing or detecting crimes; conducting investigations or inspections for violations of laws; performing surveillance; pursing, restraining and apprehending suspects; detaining or supervising suspects and convicted criminals, including those on probation or parole; interviewing witnesses; interrogating and fingerprinting suspects; preparing investigative reports; or other similar work. 29 C.F.R. § 541.3(b)(1). Therefore, unless exempt as bona fide executive or administrative employees, public safety employees are eligible for overtime compensation just as regular non-exempt employees.

The primary duty test prevails in deciding whether the employee is exempt. This is especially the case for employees who have the discretion to perform regular police duties in addition to their executive or administrative duties. The FLSA, however, still provides “an exemption for employees engaged in law enforcement or fire protection activities.”29 C.F.R. § 553.200(a) . If the agency employs fewer than five employees during the workweek (29 U.S.C. § 213(b)(20)), then the full exemption applies. Public agencies not qualifying for the complete exemption may be eligible for a partial exemption as provided in 29 U.S.C. § 207(k). This exemption is commonly known as the “7(k)” or “207(k)” exemption.