Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families has opted to follow the lead of many in the private sector and attach GPS tracking devices to its vehicles. The DCF boasts a fleet of 800, and the hope is that the devices will dramatically reduce vehicle misuse as well as minimize cost.
DCF Commissioner Joette Katz told Governor Dannel P. Malloy that the first year would yield $250 thousand in savings by preventing vehicle misuse, confirming overtime hours, and saving 20% on fuel consumption, the CT Mirror reported. Furthermore, the GPS devices are expected to help protect social workers paying visits to potentially unsafe environments while they investigate cases of child abuse.
“Anytime you add additional oversight you reap some benefits and efficiencies,” said DCF Budget Chief Cindy Butterfield. “They are very good at documenting where they go,. It’s the expectation that if you went where you needed to go, you can document it.”
The program was introduced to aid reach the department’s goal of saving $1.7 million by next year by cutting 10% of overtime hours. The agency currently maintains a budget of $894 million.
Not everyone is happy about this announcement however. Paul Lavallee, President of the Connecticut Social Worker’s Union, lambasted the decision as insulting.
“I find it callous and insensitive that she does not trust her work force,” he said. “There is already a target on our backs with these ‘How am I driving?’ bumper stickers on the back of our cars.”
Regardless, fleet tracking is a proven solution for organizations looking to minimize cost and maximize efficiency. The Connecticut DCF took the correct route in their quest to save money.
