By Joanna Putman
Police1
CHESTER, Pa. — Chester Police Department officers have transitioned to 12-hour shifts, aiming to increase street coverage and improve work-life balance, the Daily Times reported.
Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky reported early positive outcomes from the change from eight-hour shifts, according to the report. Officers now work two days on, two days off, followed by three days on, three days off, giving each officer every other weekend off.
“The officers are not continuing to go from call to call,” Gretsky said. “They have time to interact with the community.”
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Jonathan Ross, president of the Fraternal Order of Police William Penn Lodge 19, highlighted the benefits of the new schedule.
“You’re able to have a better quality of life,” Ross said. The 12-hour shifts ensure that more officers are available at any given time, enhancing their ability to understand and respond to ongoing incidents.
In addition to the shift changes, the residency requirement for Chester police officers has been lifted, allowing officers to work for the city without living in it, according to the report. This change aims to aid in recruitment and retention efforts.
The police department, currently negotiating a new contract with the FOP, is also focusing on retention and recruitment. The department is budgeted for 93 officers but currently has 60, with only 36 active officers.
Delaware County employees are assisting Chester police with non-patrol duties to enable more officers to be on the streets, according to the report. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address rising crime rates in the city.
