What Shifts Do Police Work?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 09, 2023

Most police officers work eight-hour shifts each day, but some police departments run 10- and 12-hour shift rosters. In a typical eight-hour system, there are three shifts rotating over a 24-hour period.

A 12-hour shift is more cost-effective for the police department, as one less officer is required to perform the same job as three officers as in a traditional eight-hour shift system. However, some researchers have cautioned about the effect of long hours on staff morale among officers. The 10-hour shift system is implemented in three shifts over 24 hours, with an overlap between shifts. This allows for more visible policing during the brief periods of overlap, which some researchers claim can improve morale.