Foreword

 We rely on police to work around the clock to keep us safe, and our need for police changes throughout the day and on different days of the week.

Policing is a stressful, sometimes dangerous job and the fact that it entails shiftwork further increases occupational risks that need to be managed.

In recent years the rosters used by the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) have attracted much attention.

Getting rosters right can benefit the community, victims, the Police Force and officers by using the resources available as safely as possible in an effective and efficient way.

This report gives some guidance to the NSWPF on how to roster general duties police. It looks at best practice which is used in other jurisdictions and could apply here.

The findings of this report may also be of interest to other agencies responsible for providing a twenty-four hour service to the public.

Peter Achterstraat

Auditor-General

December 2007