Police & Fire Overtime Calculator 2026 | 7(k) Rules

Question 1

What is the FLSA 7(k) exemption for police and fire?

Accepted Answer

Section 7(k) lets public agencies use a work period of 7 to 28 days instead of a 7-day workweek for sworn law enforcement and fire protection personnel. Firefighters earn overtime after 212 hours in 28 days; law enforcement after 171 hours in 28 days. Shorter periods are prorated, which is why a 7-day police cycle triggers overtime at 43 hours rather than 40.

Question 2

Is off-duty court time paid as overtime?

Accepted Answer

Time an officer spends in court on a work-related case at the employer's direction is hours worked and counts toward the 7(k) threshold. Many agencies also pay a contractual court minimum; that pay is wages and belongs in the regular rate for overtime purposes.

Question 3

How does comp time work for public safety employees?

Accepted Answer

Public agencies may substitute compensatory time for cash overtime under a prior agreement, accrued at 1.5 hours per overtime hour, with a 480-hour cap for public safety and emergency response employees. Unused balances must be cashed out at the final regular rate on separation.

Question 4

Do K-9 handlers get paid for off-duty animal care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Feeding, grooming, veterinary trips, and kennel cleaning are integral to the job and compensable. Agencies commonly settle on a reasonable agreed number of hours per week, and that agreement must reflect the time actually required.

Question 5

Are police and fire supervisors exempt from overtime?

Accepted Answer

First-line supervisors such as sergeants and lieutenants are frequently non-exempt because their primary duty remains first-responder work. Federal regulation 29 CFR 541.3(b) states that police officers, firefighters, and paramedics do not qualify for the white-collar exemptions when they perform front-line duties, regardless of rank or salary.

Fire 7(k) max	212 hours per 28 days before OT
Police 7(k) max	171 hours per 28 days before OT
Shorter cycles	Prorated (e.g. 43 hrs / 7 days police)
Comp time	Allowed for public agencies at 1.5 hrs per OT hr
Off-duty court	Generally compensable working time

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