Do Police officers take shifts?(Patrol Officers)?

Question

A Patrol Officer told me that they work 14-16 hrs. a day and another Police Officer told me that they take shifts..whats the difference?

Answer 1

There is no difference.  Shifts simply means there are different officers who come in at different times to cover one job.  So one might be on the day shift and one on the night shift.  14-16 hrs is simply the length of the shift (probably a 12 hour shift with extra time for paperwork etc, as I am unaware of any police force that actually SCHEDULES 14-16 hours).

Answer 2

As a police officer it can be either. Some departments work 8 hour shifts while some work 12 hour shifts. Regardless many departments require your daily work, and reports be completed before ending your shift, which very often can add to your shift 2 or more hours a day to your shift. 14 - 16 hour days is not unrealistic for a police officer on a 12 hour shift.

Answer 3

Most work shifts, 8 or 10, rotating. You may work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, and work so many days on, and so many off, depending on the size of the department. Detectives, and  specialized units, may work longer hours, depending on the cases they are working on. Supervisors may work long hours depending on the dept.