NCJ Number
86805
Date Published
1982
Length
80 pages
Annotation
The police department of Colorado Springs, Colorado should change its approach to the allocation of patrol and traffic staff to improve the agency's efficiency by equalizing the workload in the area of calls for service.
Abstract
The portion of the total calls-for-service workload which requires police response varies considerably over time of day and day of week. The department's training schedules, automobile fueling and washing, and the process by which shift changes take place also influence the efficiency of patrol forces. The three equal rotating shifts should change to unequal permanent shifts, and the current fourth shift should be eliminated. Patrol days on and off should change from a rotating schedule to a permanent 10 and 4 configuration. Patrol shifts should overlap to provide field coverage for a 10 minute lineup at the beginning of each shift and a 15-minute debriefing at the end of each shift. The 1983 budget should include funds to install fuel dispensing facilities at the department's east and west substations. Changes should also take place in the training schedule, the management of traffic operations, and supervision. Figures and data tables are supplied.