I’m proud to nominate Sergeant Mark Miller for his leadership in improving the working conditions of frontline patrol officers. Understanding the challenges of a long policing career, Sergeant Miller proposed a shift schedule change for officers with 20 or more years of service, allowing them to work either 4 PM to 4 AM or 10 AM to 10 PM instead of full night shifts. This change, now implemented service-wide, is making a real difference in officer wellness, safety, and performance.
Why This Matters
Night shifts take a serious toll as officers get older.
- In their 20s, most officers can sleep in and still get a full eight hours before their next shift.
- By their 40s, that changes. No matter how exhausted they are, they wake up earlier—often getting only four hours of sleep (or less) before another long night.
- By the third consecutive night shift, they’re completely drained, and their first day off is basically lost to exhaustion.
And it’s not just about being tired—years of night shift work and disrupted sleep lead to serious health issues:
- Chronic Stress & Burnout – Sleep disruptions mess with the body's stress response, leading to anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion.
- Higher Risk of Diabetes & Heart Disease – Poor sleep affects insulin levels and blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious medical conditions.
- Slower Reaction Time & Impaired Judgment – Sleep deprivation impacts memory and decision-making, which is dangerous in high-risk situations.
- Mental Health Challenges – Long-term night shift work is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Shortened Life Expectancy – Research shows shift work is tied to a higher risk of chronic illness and a shorter lifespan.
Thanks to Sergeant Miller’s leadership, veteran officers now have a schedule that lets them stay on the road without sacrificing their health. Officers are better rested, more alert, and less at risk for the long-term effects of sleep deprivation. This change is a game-changer for officer wellness, and it wouldn’t have happened without Sergeant Miller stepping up. His commitment to his colleagues and dedication to improving their working conditions make him more than deserving of this recognition.
