Woodstock PD to Kelly shift schedule

This morning's Northwest Herald reports that the Woodstock Police officers have struck a deal with the City of Woodstock. I guess we citizens won't have to defend our town for the next three years.

The PD will go to the Kelly Shift Schedule (whatever that is).

According to the article, "Police Chief Robert Lowen – who was a part of the city’s negotiation team – said police staff had been looking for a change in schedule and are pleased with a move to a Kelly shift schedule, which extends the work day to 8.5 hours and allows for longer weekends by placing the schedule on a 9-day cycle."

What's the Kelly Shift Schedule?

According to Business Management Systems, "Very popular with fire departments and emergency services agencies, the Kelly shift schedule uses three teams (i.e. platoons) and three shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. It consists of a 9-day cycle where each team works one 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, works another 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off duty, then works a final 24-hour shift, followed by 4 consecutive days off duty."

I don't know about you, but I'm confused. Will Woodstock officers work 8½-hour shifts or will they work 24-hour shifts?

Rotating shifts are energy-killers. Ask anybody who works one week of days, then one week of afternoon shifts, then a week of night shifts. The human body is not designed to function that way. Imagine working a 24-hour shift? Is there any way to be as effective, awake and alert - and safe! - during the last three hours of work as during the first three?

Just how will the Kelly Shift Schedule really work? And are the officers really pleased with this Schedule?