Pittsburgh Police Officers Now Working 4-Day Weeks

PITTSBURGH, PA — Beginning today, Pittsburgh police no longer will work eight hour work days, Instead, they will work four 10-hour shifts for four days with three consecutive days off. This organizational change is designed to enhance officer wellness the city police chief said.

"An additional day away from work each week to focus on family, friends, or outside pursuits is key to creating a healthy workforce and contributes to the bureau's goal of not only recruiting new officers, but retaining them for the long haul, " Chief Larry Scirotto said in a news release.

Officers will also be afforded one hour of wellness time each week while on shift to use at their discretion.

In addition to the revised work schedule, the bureau is making additional adjustments that include:

• Centralized deployment established for the night shift where police units will be placed throughout the zones staffed by multiple supervisors and a night watch commander who will oversee operations and allocate resources to areas of need throughout the city.
• Formation of the Violent Crime Division to include homicide, narcotics, intelligence and the violence prevention unit with the goal of reducing violent crime and gun violence.
• Installation of blue phones with a direct line to 911 outside all six police zones and the Downtown Public Safety Center for use between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. when officers are deployed in the field.

"Following thorough audits of how police resources were being allocated, these improvements are backed by data to ensure that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is serving the city in the most efficient and responsible manner, placing the primary focus on areas of concern to enhance quality of life in our neighborhoods, improve community/police
partnerships, and prioritize officer wellness," Scirotto said.