Cop shift is where officers work a scheduled shift (e.g. 8 hours) that can last longer than their normal 12 hour day. Cop shift leads to a number of dangerous problems. One problem is that officers can be tired during their off-time, which increases the likelihood of accidents or other incidents while they are driving home or even while they are in bed at home.
A study has revealed that working a 12-hour shift as a police officer can be just as bad for your health as smoking. The research found that the physical and mental effects of being on the job for a long period of time can take a real toll on your body. Researchers discovered that officers are more prone than normal individuals to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
A study revealed that a shift of only four hours can take its toll on your health. The study found that a person’s blood pressure increased by 10% while their cholesterol levels rose too. Cop Shift is not the only factor that can cause these issues, but it’s one contributing factor to other illnesses and accidents.
The physical effects of a cop shift can be severe for officers. Those who work the night shift have an increased risk of developing a number of illnesses and diseases. Some of these include cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. There are also much higher rates of lower back and neck injuries when compared to those working during regular daytime hours.
In recent years, the number of police officers that have died by suicide has been increasing. Officer Wilson killed himself after a 15 hour shift on September 28, 2016. The dangers of cop shift are not just physical but also psychological.
Cop shift is when one officer must work a second shift, either from midnight to 8am or from 8am-4pm. This puts an enormous strain on the officer’s body because of the sleep deprivation and lack of food. When officers take part in this, they are more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and high blood pressure.