Iowa City patrol officers try new schedule

IOWA CITY - Iowa City police patrol officers will have a new work schedule starting early next year.

They'll switch from the current six days on, two days off to four days on and two off. Under the new schedule, the first three days are eight-hour days, followed by a 10-hour-and-15-minute day.

The department plans to follow the schedule on a one-year trial basis, Chief Sam Hargadine said.

The police union had proposed a four-on, two-off schedule earlier this year, Hargadine said, but the city rejected that because it provided for 17 more days off each year.

Under the new schedule, each day will have one group on their last day of work, which is the longer shift. That will allow for each watch to overlap, offering the benefit of more coverage during that time, Hargadine said.

He said it should also give patrol officers more rest compared with the current schedule of working six consecutive days.

The new schedule starts Jan. 10. The provisions in the collective bargaining agreement covering the current schedule have been waived for the next year, Hargadine said.