Tired cops: probable connections between fatigue and the performance, health and safety of patrol officers

Abstract

Conducts a pilot study on excessive fatigue in patrol officers of high crime rate areas, using data collected by 53 telephone esquires. Compares police overtime to that considered acceptable in other professions where public safety is implicated and finds that police receive unfavorable treatment. Considers the vulnerability of police to the effects of fatigue and the potential costs of fatigue on cognitive performance, misconduct, health and safety. Remarks that police are culturally constrained to accept fatigue; that managers depend on overtime to cope with fluctuating demands and to operate within economic limits; that police are obliged to spend lengthy hours in court; that officers can become dependent on overtime pay. Suggests inter alia that community policing will help in avoiding “exhausted crusaders”. Advocates use of self‐regulation, peer monitoring and health care, use of improved technology, modifying work schedules, limiting exposure to high crime and considering reforms to civil liability.

Citation

Vila, B. (1996), "Tired cops: probable connections between fatigue and the performance, health and safety of patrol officers", American Journal of Police, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 51-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/07358549610122485