UPI
DETROIT — Detroit police unions criticized a cost-saving plan to implement 12-hour patrol shifts, calling it “a disservice to officers themselves and to residents.”
Police Chief Ralph Godbee held a news conference Wednesday detailing his plan, which would affect some 1,500 patrol officers.
“These are extraordinary times,” Godbee said. “As chief of police, I’ve got to deliver police service.”
The Detroit News reported the plan was unveiled just one day after the City Council rejected a request to put a $56 million tax hike on the November ballot in an effort to boost police funding.
Godbee called the rejection “unfortunate” and said his plan would get more “boots on the ground.”
Joe Duncan, president of the Detroit Police Officer Association said 12-hour days could be too much to handle for officers.
“We’re not talking about Mayberry here. We’re talking about one of the most dangerous places in America,” he said. “I don’t think anybody can do 12 hours in the city of Detroit. Not with the crime; it’s constant. It’s a disservice to officers themselves and to residents.”
Godbee said his plan would cut overtime costs and earn more vacation time for officers. Those who work 84 hours every two weeks will earn 14 days off per month. They would also receive 45-minute lunch breaks rather than 30-minutes.
“I want to make sure we can do things to give back to officers as much as possible,” Godbee said.
Copyright 2012 U.P.I.