NCJ Number
77848
Date Published
1980
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The possible effects of implementing a 4-day, 10-hour shift work week for sworn officers and code employees of the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement are examined.
Abstract
Both sworn officer and code employee management are able to implement the 4-day work week under current contract. Examination of several municipal agencies and the State of Louisiana, which have instituted the compressed work week, has found a generally positive attitude toward the 4-day week. Those agencies which dropped the 4-day week found problems in making management adjustments to the needs of patrol officers. Examination of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's four-day week also reveals both employee benefits (more time available for personal business, leisure, and family activities) and work benefits (improved working conditions, work quality, supervisory needs, and communication). The report recommends adoption of the 4-day week for both sworn and code employees of the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement, with supervisors working the same shift as their subordinates, and accrual of compensatory or overtime only after the shift is completed, for a trial period of at least 6 months. A bar graph plotting law enforcement and accident activity by shift and by day, a letter sent to agencies using the four-day week, and choices of work schedules are appended. A bibliography of 12 citations is included.