Anne Arundel County Police Launch New 12-Hour Patrol Shift, Ushering in a New Era of Officer Wellness after 45 years; New shift schedule replaces department's longstanding 6-and-3 rotation, marking a significant shift in patrol operations
Annapolis, MD - The Anne Arundel County Police Department has officially launched its new 12-hour patrol shift schedule, marking the most significant operational shift in its Bureau of Patrol in 45 years. This historic change is designed to prioritize officer wellness, improve work-life balance, and ultimately enhance the department’s ability to effectively serve the community.
Replacing the 45-year-old 6-and-3 rotation, the new 12-hour schedule dramatically reduces the number of scheduled workdays from 243 to just 182 or 183 days annually. The new model provides officers with every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off, structuring their time into manageable two or three-day work periods with equal rest in between.
The transition follows an effort that began in January 2024 when critical staffing needs were identified. Under the direction of Chief Awad, a dedicated, multidisciplinary committee was formed—comprising executive command staff, lieutenants, sergeants, officers, union representatives, and strategic planners— to work diligently to address all facets of the change. FOP Lodge 70 President O’Brien Atkinson worked closely with executive command staff and committee members for a year to support this transition. This comprehensive effort included preparing staffing studies, adjusting policies, addressing labor contract areas, and conducting extensive officer updates and feedback surveys to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.
“This new shift schedule will provide our officers with a much better quality of life by affording them more time off with their loved ones and more time to rest and recover,” said Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal E. Awad. “The outstanding leadership and expertise of the committee has ensured a sustainable evolution for our agency by enhancing our patrol operations moving forward.”
The 12-hour model, utilized by agencies across the region and the country, is expected to optimize workforce availability and enhance coverage during peak hours, ensuring the department continues to deliver the high level of service the Anne Arundel County community expects and deserves.
