CBC News has learned that a single Vancouver police sergeant was paid $239,258 in overtime alone last year, on top of their base pay of up to $158,000.

The figure comes from a freedom of information request filed with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), which shows a three-year trend of an increase in officers making double or more of their regular salary by working extra hours, all while the force goes millions of dollars over budget.

"That is a bit eyebrow raising and I think it deserves a few answers," said Green Party Coun. Pete Fry.

VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said the case of the top overtime earner was an exception. Addison said he could not comment on what duties the officer carried out on overtime — double an officer's hourly wage in most cases — because the data was anonymous and he said he didn't know their identity.

He said any combination of backfilling patrol vacancies, protest policing, special event duties or investigations could be driving an officer's overtime.

"We're grateful to those who are willing to come out to serve the city, take time away from their families to keep people safe," Addison said.

Task Force Barrage, a surge of enforcement in the Downtown Eastside to crack down on gangs and other crime in the beleaguered neighbourhood, was a $5-million initiative funded by with ove