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New JMPD shift system tackles fatigue

Metro police
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The City of Johannesburg is introducing a new shift system in which metro police will work for four days and then have four days off.

MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun says metro officers who are overworked are less able to conduct successful operations.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has 3 700 operational officers, including 1 500 trainees.

The new system will see equal amounts of officers working at night and during the day with a large reserve on standby.

On the previous shift system some operational staff worked for up to 16 days without rest.

Sun says the initiative has received support.

He says: “we have always had a lot of issues and complaints from our JMPD officers that they’re not getting sufficient rest and some of the problems have also extended to their family lives. So we thought it was critical and very important that we work on this issue.”

“So this is truly a milestone for the city. It is something that looks after the wellbeing of our employees and I certainly want our JMPD officers to be well rested and revitalised to face the safety challenges of the city on a daily basis.”

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