Indianapolis police department’s 10-hour shifts to begin Jan. 3, 2026 INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After more than 30 years on the same 8-1/2-hour shift, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Jan. 3 will roll out a 10-hour shift pilot program. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said Tuesday the de partment is are short about 300 officers, and this longer shift will allow the law enforcement body to be a bit more creative with the staff they have. “The 10-hour shift is one way to do that. It’s an agreement made between the city of Indianapolis and the Fraternal Order of Police. The officers voted to pilot the 10-hour shift in 2026. The way it has been developed puts more officers on our districts in our neighborhoods during the peak hours of crime.” Peak hours when the majority of crimes usually happen are between 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Bailey said the shift change will make it safer for the community because additional officers will be patrolling the streets. Starting Jan. 3, officers will work for five days and get three days off, or work four days and get four days off. Bailey said, “We’re going to evaluate it in 2026, and if it makes sense and the officers want to continue that, were going to adjust as necessary, and that’s going to be our permanent schedule.” An Indianapolis Fraternity Order of Police leader echoed that sentiment, adding the new shift gives officers time to decompress from an already stressful job. Vice President Bobby Ferguson said, “Officers will be able to have more time off and see anywhere from 35 to 37 more days off a year. So, they’ll be away from the job more so they can explore time with their family, work on a better work-health balance.” ...read more read less