SLTPD changes hours to put more officers on streets

South Lake Tahoe patrol officers are switching from four 10-hour shifts to three 12-hour shifts.

Police Chief Brian Uhler said this would provide better coverage on the streets as well as save the city money when it comes to overtime.

He told the City Council last week he expects the savings to be $25,000 a year, while the police association believes the savings to be $90,000 per year.

Mayor Claire Fortier and Councilman Tom Davis expressed concerns about fatigue and insisted Uhler report back in three and six months about how the change in hours is working – in terms of fatigue and if money is being saved.

This is not the first time, though, that SLTPD has worked 12-hour shifts.

The four hours officers will get paid for but are not scheduled to be on the street will in part be used when they need to work overtime, as well as for training hours.

— Kathryn Reed