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Police1’s shift schedule survey of more than 1,000 officers confirms what most beat cops feel in their bones: shift design makes or breaks wellness. In this Wellness Brief video, former patrol officer Emily Hitchings and Police1 editorial director Greg Friese dig into the findings and the importance of considering wellness when picking a department shift schedule.
“Man, officer health and work-life balance has to come into the conversation,” Hitchings said, pushing agencies to weigh more than call load when they pick 8, 10 or 12-hour shifts. Hitchings argues that overlapping swing shifts may cover peak demand, but compressed schedules can erode sleep and morale if leaders ignore recovery time.
Hitchings’ blunt advice for anyone eyeing a new shift bid, “Whatever shift you are thinking about, you need to tack 2 hours onto it.”
That extra buffer accounts for late calls and the commute that turns a “quick” 10-hour tour into 12, leaving little bandwidth for workouts, family or even a solid six hours of sleep.
Departments that build flexibility, predictable rotations and sleep resources into the schedule, he says, will keep veteran talent and serve the public better.
Review the evidence | How 8-, 10- and 12-hour police shifts really affect staffing and wellness
“If you can keep officers from burnout and enjoying their jobs, they’re more likely to stick around. They’re less likely to take sick leave. They’re more likely to be happy at work.”
About The Brief: Wellness Edition
The Brief: Wellness Edition video series explores the wellness implications of current events for public safety professionals. Each episode brings a timely conversation that connects unfolding events to the day-to-day realities of first responders.
