Average Work Week For Rookie Cop ?

Question

about how many hours/days a week would you work for the first few years being a cop ?

Answer 1

The fact you are a rookie will not change anything. You will work the same hours and take the same calls as everyone else.

As far as shift selection, that usually goes by seniority. With 8 hour shifts, I find day shift fills first, then midnights, and the afternoon shift is last. With 12 hour shifts, it is hard to tell. On my department, the night shift fills first.

Answer 2

A rookie cop will initially be placed in the FTO (Field Training Officer) program. The rookie will ride with an officer on each shift for an amount of time determined by the department's policies. It will be a work week just like all the other officers but there will be additional time spent correcting and writing reports. I would estimate between 45-60 hours depending on the department. After the FTO program is completed, you will be on probation until the first year is completed. The work week will be the same as all other officers but you will get the worst days off.

Answer 3

It all depends on the city that you are in and the agreement in place with the union and the management. I would not be out on a limb by saying at least 55 hours a week, with 15  hours of it being paperwork and followups.