There are many different shift patterns employed within policing.

In the United Kingdom in particular, officers and staff don’t usually have the option to select a shift or schedule that works for them; those in frontline responder and often middle office roles (such as civilian 911 despatchers) routinely work the shift pattern followed by their police force. Usually, in UK policing, this is some form of rotating pattern, incorporating a variety of day, afternoon, and night shifts.

Those working these irregular and rotating shifts are arguably more exposed to the negative aspects of shift work, such as fatigue. Shift work, particularly night shifts or rotating shifts, is known to cause sleep restriction and reduced sleep efficiency. The consequent fatigue is associated with impaired decision-making and cognitive reasoning and reduced vigilance, which can lead to workplace accidents, critical errors, and road traffic collisions. Those who drive for work purposes are at a potentially higher risk of being involved in a fatigue-related collision, both on duty and while commuting.