INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — Indianapolis police will start a 10-hour shift pilot on Jan. 3, replacing the department’s 8½-hour schedule used for more than 30 years.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey says the department is short about 300 officers, and the longer shifts will put more officers on patrol during peak crime hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Officers will work four or five days a week with extra days off.

Fraternal Order of Police leaders say the change gives officers more time to rest, improving work-life balance and public safety.

The department will evaluate the pilot throughout 2026.