CHICAGO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago's new police superintendent may follow the lead of Los Angeles and allow beat officers to work 12-hour shifts three days a week.
The change being explored by newly appointed Supt. Jody Weis is designed to bolster morale among the rank-and-file as well as shorten medical leaves, The Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.
Since taking the helm at the Chicago Police Department, Weis has been appearing at roll calls in an effort to find out what beat officers want.
The Fraternal Order of Police has been pushing for a fixed schedule of six days on and three days off in contract talks with the city.
"Twelve hours in a beat car in Chicago -- in most areas of the city -- is a very long work day," said union President Mark Donahue. "It has worked in other areas of the country. But it's something that has to be analyzed."
