By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Maryland Police Department is considering the effects of moving to 12-hour patrol shifts on officer wellness and staffing levels, officials said.
• The department is reviewing data and seeking input from officers before any formal change.
• Leadership cited potential benefits such as increased days off and improved work-life balance.
• Concerns about fatigue, scheduling impacts and overtime are also being evaluated.
• No final decision or timeline for implementation has been announced.
TOWSON, MD — The Maryland Police Department is assessing how a potential switch to 12-hour patrol shifts could affect officer wellness, staffing and department operations, officials said.
Department leaders said they are analyzing staffing data and gathering input from officers to understand the implications of longer shifts before deciding whether to adopt the change.
Supporters of the proposed shift schedule have pointed to possible advantages including more consecutive days off and improved work-life balance for personnel.
At the same time, officials acknowledged concerns among some staff about increased fatigue, scheduling challenges and the potential for higher overtime expenditures under a 12-hour model.
No formal decision has been made, and the department has not set a timeline for determining whether to implement the shift change.