So, the issue you raise can be evaluated pretty easily and objectively, and if the patrol force is overworked and/or understaffed, it should be reflected in the data — which I have to think is much more reliable and accurate than it was when I worked there. This is a matter for the FOP to investigate and pursue.
As for the additional time off due to the patrol work schedule, I guess it's a matter of opinion as to its value. I don't know what the starting pay for a police officer is these days, so I will assume it's around $52,000 a year. That works out to about $25 an hour (244 days on duty X 8.5 hours a day = 2,074 hours on duty annually. $52,000 divided by 2,074 = $25.07 per hour.) So, for an entry-level officer, the additional 18 RDOs a year is worth $3,835 in salary. That's only one way to evaluate it — personally, I think the "not-having-to-go-to-work" part is a lot more valuable. Time is one thing we all have in short supply.
I hope I haven't bored you with all this. I only wanted to point out that the police department tries to make working the road reasonably desirable, in spite of outward appearances. That doesn't mean the administration can't do more, and I hope they do. I certainly do not approve of anything resembling a shortage of officers on the street.
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