Detroit Police Officers Start New 12-Hour Shifts

Detroit Police began their first day working 12-hour shifts, a move criticized by some who fear the longer hours will cause officers to burn out, and supported by those who say it will save money.

Sept. 19, 2012

2 min read

The Detroit News

Detroit - Detroit Police on Monday began their first day working 12-hour shifts, a move criticized by some who fear the longer hours will cause officers to burn out, and supported by those who insist the change will save money and put more cops on the street.

Police Chief Ralph Godbee issued a special order last month imposing the shifts, which he said would affect about 1,500 patrol officers, cut overtime costs and give officers more days off each month.

Under the new system, officers will work 84 hours every two weeks, and get 14 days off per month. Lunch breaks have been extended from a half-hour to 45 minutes.

"These are extraordinary times," Godbee said during a recent press conference. "As chief of police, I've got to deliver police service."

But some officers, including Officer Mark Diaz, believe the move will have a negative impact.

"This won't just be bad for the officers, it'll be bad for the citizens too," Diaz said Monday. "It may save some money in the short-term, but long-term it's going to be bad. Officers are going to get burned out working 12-hour shifts, and I think it's going to result in a lot of sick calls."

Under the City Charter, the police chief may temporarily impose rule changes by issuing a memo known as a teletype. Major policy changes, such as the move to 12-hour shifts, may be imposed through a special order, which lasts one year.

After that, for a special order to become policy, it must be approved by the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners and then the City Council.

Another recent special order issued by Godbee is a requirement for new officers to have first served in the police reserves.

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