The NYPD introduced flexible scheduling for some officers as part of a pilot program to improve department morale and retention.
Roughly 400 officers will work 10- or 12-hour shifts, during the six-month program, ABC News reports. Those officers on 10-hour shifts will work four days with two days off; officers on 12-hour shifts will work three days and have three days off.
Pat Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, applauded the move, calling it "a historic moment."
“For the next generation of the NYPD, this will become the norm,” said Lynch. “You can live your life better. It's important we talk about your home life. It's important we talk about the mental health of each and every one of you and your family. Well, today is the start of that real discussion. But more importantly, the real solution.”
NYPD officials hope the flexible scheduling helps curb the departure veteran officers, who are leaving the department for better salaries and benefits elsewhere. That's led to a spike in overtime in an effort to maintain the same level of service with fewer officers.
“We look forward to making sure this works best for you, and we look forward to broadening it to the rest of the NYPD,” said Commissioner Keechant Sewell.
