Your department isn't huge but its not small either. So what kind of schedule is best for a 50 person department?

There are a lot of options but in this article, we will go over the 3 most popular patrol schedules for 24/7 coverage that PlanIt Police clients use.

The top three law enforcement scheduling examples are:

A. [2 on 3 off] [2 on 2 off][3 on 2 off]

B. [4 on 3 off] 

C. [4 on 3 off] [3 on 4 off] [3 on 3 off] [4 on 4 off]

A) [2 on 3 off] [2 on 2 off][3 on 2 off]

This rotation is also known as the Pitman schedule/rotation.

You can view an article that explains this rotation here.

But basically, it's a 12 hour shift schedule that is favorable because it allows officers every other weekend off. 

Also, officers only work 3 days in a row at most. 

Allowing a nice balance between days on and off - which is important when working long, 12 hour shifts.

These pictures show 4 templates you would need to complete 24x7 coverage.

B) [4 on 3 off]

This rotation requires officers to work 4 days then have off 3 days. It uses 10 hour shifts to average 40 hours a week.

These are simple schedules to manage because they only require one week templates. 

You can use all these templates or just the ones you need to cover 24x7 in your department. 

These show "Day" shift so you would need night and swing shift templates as well.

C) [4 on 3 off] [3 on 4 off] [3 on 3 off] [4 on 4 off] 

This is a pretty simple 12 hour shift schedule.

It is fairly popular so we have a separate article explaining it here.

The rotation only runs 2 weeks and allows for at least every other Saturday off.

It is important to find a schedule that is efficient but still favorable for employees as well.

Happy employees are more productive and less likely to leave.

So keep the communication open.

How can you communicate better with your employees?

With an online scheduling system - PlanIt Police.

Officers can see their schedule from any device with internet. 

You can send mass emails, texts, and calls to get important information out quickly.

You can post announcements or send messages within PlanIt as well.

Since everyone has access to see the schedule, they know what is going on:

• when there's an open shift
• when someone is out for court
• when they can and cannot take time off
• when someone would like to trade a shift

All these things add to employee satisfaction because it allows you to communicate easier and let everyone know what's going on.

Check it out today!

 While these 3 schedules have the most number of departments using them, there are a variety of other rotations used.

Download 10 different examples now so you can view all the options and pick the best one for your department!

Read More:

• 7 Different 12 Hour Shift Schedule Examples to Cover Round the Clock
• The Key to Choosing New Police Software Without Getting Ripped Off
• 3 Types of 10 Hour Shift Schedules to Cover Round the Clock