This is a contentious issue in many police agencies. There is no generally accepted “best schedule.” Each system has advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed based on local needs. This session will explain how the results of a staffing study can be used to develop a work schedule that reasonably meets the needs of the public, patrol officers and police managers responsible for effective policing while at the same time making good use of tax dollars. Current research findings on the impact of scheduling practices on officer fatigue will be presented.
A major theme in this presentation will be development of measurable goals for a new schedule that can be evaluated over time once the schedule is implemented. An effective evaluation provides opportunities for making adjustments that can spell the difference between success and failure. Mechanisms for employee involvement will be described to include labor management relations in police agencies with collective bargaining.
Resources Mentioned During Webinar: