PlanIt Police Blog

With round the clock personnel, organized scheduling is critical for success in any public safety department. So how do you do it?

What is the best option?

What even are the options?

How do they compare?

Well, depending on the needs of your department, you may have a few different options.

Below we will compare 3 scheduling options:

1. Excel
2. Generic scheduling software
3. Police scheduling software

Excel

With Microsoft Office, you can use Excel on your desktop or even online. There is more functionality on your desktop vs. online but this is still a fairly basic tool when it comes to scheduling. It will work best if your schedules do not change very often. 

To see other options like Excel, click here.

Pros

• Organizes scheduling data
• Ability to create charts and graphs
• Free (with Office subscription)
• Fairly easy to use

Cons

• Not visible, must print out or email & send out new as changes are made
• No automation - all manual calculations

Generic Scheduling Software

There are multiple options when it comes to generic scheduling software. This will allow you to move your schedule online and incorporate some automation. Any business can use this software including restaurants, retail, or salons. 

Pros

• Online, so you can see and access from any device with internet
• Automation
• Usually simple to use

Cons

• Cost less than industry specific software but more than Excel
• Does not include features specific to industry, will still require manual work (Overtime tracking, Accruals, Court, etc.)
• May handle overnight shifts awkwardly 

Police Scheduling Software

Built specifically for law enforcement, this scheduling software will allow your scheduling to be online and industry-specific processes to be automated. Instead of just streamlining your scheduling it will move other processes online. This may be a learning curve though so make sure your department is ready.

Pros

• Software can handle 24x7 complex schedules
• Online, so you can schedule anywhere and everyone can view the schedule from anywhere
• Specific functions (ex: overtime forms, court scheduling, extra duty, certification tracking, shift bidding)
• Eliminate paper processes
• Automatically calculate time off banks and hours for payroll

Cons

• More expensive
• More involved because of including more functionality

To see how much scheduling software for law enforcement costs, click here. 

Comparing scheduling software may not be the fastest process but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

Once you find the scheduling system that works for your department, it will save you more and more time the longer you have it. 

If you're interested in police scheduling software, find out more with a free online demonstration today!

 Want to read more?

• Best Law Enforcement Scheduling Software Companies: 5 to Review
• The Best Features for Police Scheduling Software - 2016 Recap