Effective scheduling is extremely important in the world of law enforcement. The safety of our police officers and the communities they serve depends on having the right number of skilled personnel on duty at all times. It also depends on each officer having an adequate amount of time to rest and recharge between shifts.
One scheduling option that has gained popularity in recent years is the 10-hour shift schedule, also known as the 4/10 schedule. In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of 10-hour shifts for law enforcement officers and discuss various scheduling options within this police scheduling framework.
Understanding the 10-hour shift in law enforcement
The 10-hour shift schedule, often referred to as the 4/10 schedule, entails police officers working four days a week, each consisting of a 10-hour shift. This results in a 40-hour workweek, which is the standard in many professions. The schedule typically follows a fixed pattern, such as four consecutive days on duty, followed by three days off. The primary goal of this schedule is to maximize officer productivity and minimize fatigue while maintaining adequate coverage.
What are the advantages of the 10-hour shift schedule?
The 10-hour shift schedule is popular among police departments for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the advantages of the 10-hour shift schedule:
Increased productivity across your police department
One of the primary advantages of the 10-hour shift schedule is increased officer productivity. Longer shifts mean fewer shift changes during a 24-hour period, reducing the time spent on briefing and debriefing. Police officers can spend more time on patrol and proactive policing, which can lead to improved crime prevention and community safety.
Longer rest periods for officers
With the 4/10 schedule, police officers enjoy three consecutive days off, providing longer rest periods between shifts. This extended time off allows officers to recharge, spend quality time with their families and address personal matters, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.
It’s critical that police officers are well-rested and alert while on shift. However, due to the complex scheduling needs of law enforcement, many police officers are overworked and at risk of fatigue and liability issues. When comparing the 10-hour shift to 8-hour shifts, police officers working 10-hour shifts can average significantly more sleep than those who work 8-hour shifts.
Improved work-life balance for police officers
The 10-hour shift schedule often results in a better work-life balance for police officers. Longer days on duty are offset by more extended periods off duty, which can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. Officers can plan activities and appointments more easily, knowing their work schedule well in advance.
This improved work-life balance can help police officers feel more in control of their lives. Police departments can complement the 4/10 shift schedule by using a robust scheduling system that gives officers full visibility into their daily schedule. A user-friendly police scheduling system allows officers to submit time off, check their time-bank balances and view their schedule months in advance, giving officers the tools they need to plan their personal lives.
Cost savings for police departments
For police departments, the 10-hour shift schedule can lead to cost savings. Fewer shift changes reduce overtime expenses associated with staffing shortages during shift transitions. It can also reduce expenses incurred on travel costs by up to 20%, as police officers are only required to come to work 4 days per week. Additionally, the schedule can help reduce turnover by offering a more attractive work-life balance, potentially saving money on recruitment and training.
What are the disadvantages of the 10-hour shift schedule?
While the 10-hour shift schedule offers numerous benefits for both police agencies and police officers, it also comes with some drawbacks that police departments must consider:
Longer shifts may leave police officers more susceptible to fatigue-related issues
Working longer shifts can lead to officer fatigue, especially during the later hours of a 10-hour shift. Fatigue can impair decision-making, reaction times and overall job performance, potentially compromising officer and public safety. If your police department is facing a staffing shortage and officers are required to work overtime in addition to their 10-hour shifts, it can eventually lead to burnout across your entire department.
Longer shifts may leave police officers more susceptible to fatigue-related issues
Working longer shifts can lead to officer fatigue, especially during the later hours of a 10-hour shift. Fatigue can impair decision-making, reaction times and overall job performance, potentially compromising officer and public safety. If your police department is facing a staffing shortage and officers are required to work overtime in addition to their 10-hour shifts, it can eventually lead to burnout across your entire department.
10-hour shifts have limited flexibility
The fixed nature of the 4/10 police schedule may limit scheduling flexibility. Police officers may find it challenging to adjust their work schedules to accommodate personal needs or emergencies. While a fixed schedule is enticing for many, this can be a disadvantage for those who require more adaptable work arrangements for personal reasons.
Impact on family life
While the 4/10 schedule can improve work-life balance, it may also have an impact on family life, especially for officers with young children. Longer shifts can mean less time spent with family, and the consecutive days on duty may disrupt family routines.
Variations of the 10-hour shift schedule
While the 10-hour shift schedule offers numerous benefits for both police agencies and police officers, it also comes with some drawbacks that police departments must consider:
4/10 Schedule:
This is the classic 10-hour shift schedule, with officers working four days a week, followed by three days off. It provides extended rest periods and predictability in scheduling. This is one of the most common schedules used in policing.
3/12 Schedule:
In this variation, officers work three 12-hour shifts per week, followed by four days off. While officers work fewer days per week, the longer shifts can be more physically demanding.
5/8-4 Schedule:
This schedule combines shorter 8-hour shifts with occasional 10-hour shifts. Officers work five 8-hour shifts for two weeks and then work four 10-hour shifts in the third week. It offers a balance between shorter and longer shifts. While this schedule gives more flexibility, it can be difficult for officers to develop a routine and plan their personal schedules.
Split Shifts:
Some police departments use split shifts where officers work two shorter shifts in a day, with a break in between. This can provide coverage during peak activity times.
Implementing the 10-hour shift schedule
Implementing a 10-hour shift schedule requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, including staffing levels, officer preferences, and community needs. Prior to implementing a 10-hour shift schedule, police departments should evaluate their needs and operations to determine if a 10-hour shift schedule is the right schedule for their department. This includes assessing staffing needs, engaging with officers and seeking their input, implementing a trial period and providing training and education around fatigue management.
After implementing any new schedule, Police Chiefs and supervisors should monitor and evaluate the schedule’s impact on officer performance. Certain scheduling software, like InTime police scheduling software, can allow departments to run reports in order to make data-driven adjustments to their schedule.
The bottom line
The 10-hour shift schedule, such as the 4/10 schedule, offers a promising approach to police scheduling that can enhance officer productivity, improve work-life balance, and potentially reduce costs for police departments. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the specific needs of your department and engage officers in the scheduling process to ensure a successful transition.
By selecting the right scheduling option within the 10-hour shift framework and addressing potential challenges, police departments can better serve their communities while supporting the well-being of their officers.
Interested in seeing how InTime can improve your agency’s operations? Reach out to our team today for a demo
