[POLL] White Plains Patrol Officers Go Back to 8-Hour Shifts

After working 12-hour tours for more than three years, White Plains patrol officers went back to eight-hour shifts this week to the dismay of the White Plains Police Benevolent Association (WPPBA). 

“By reverting to and implementing the prior work schedule, it will cost the City overtime, require the City to either hire additional police officers or remove officers and detectives from other vital divisions,” said WPPBA President Rob Riley in a statement.

Judge Gerald Loehr recently declared a memorandum of agreement, that allowed the officers to work 12-hour shifts, as invalid since the shifts were implemented without the approval of the White Plains Common Council. 

The City originally in March 2010, with the WPPBA arguing that the City and Council were aware of the agreement and that it was valid.

Click on the PDF to read a copy of the decision provided by Riley. 

“We submit that this will dramatically diminish the level of police services that are presently provided to its resident,” Riley’s statement said. “At this time, the police patrol force is not able to accommodate such restructuring due to a lack of police officers.” 

Riley, who did not return calls from Patch requesting an interview, said that crime is up 32.3 percent from the previous year and that the police department should be blamed for this.

“Additional reorganization to accommodate a work schedule change may result in service cuts that jeopardize the safety, security, and integrity of the city,” said Riley. 

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According to the White Plains CitzeNetReporter, the 8-hour shifts were costing the City $500,000 in overtime costs a year—however, White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong said the department has conducted a review and that this isn’t the case.

“Everything balances out whether its an 8-hour shift or 12-hour shift,” said Chong.

Chong says that the shift changes will not affect staffing numbers, which will remain the same. There are currently 195 police officers, down 25 since police layoffs due to budget cuts in May 2010. The commissioner did say that some officers working in specialized units, like domestic violence, might change the way they operate.

“Some officers will have to be shifted into more generalistic duties instead of specialized duties,” said Chong. “The specialty units are not being eliminated, but because of the shift change, some of those units will take their expertise and training on patrol with them.”

According to Chong, shoplifting larcenies is driving the increase in crime.

“It’s a nationwide epidemic due to the economy. Crimes against persons are actually down."

"I have a very good police department and very good individuals that work on the police department," said Chong. My job is to make the eight hour shifts work.” 

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