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Council approves 12‑week trial of Pitman schedule for patrol officers
Summary
To address morale and scheduling, the council approved a 12‑week trial Pitman scheduling arrangement for the police patrol union; the trial will not change total hours or wages, and chiefs will report outcomes to council after the period.
Caribou — The City Council approved a 12‑week trial adoption of a Pitman schedule for the patrol unit, authorizing the police chief to implement the schedule change under a memorandum of understanding with the patrol union.
Lede: Councilors approved a trial Pitman schedule for patrol officers, which reorganizes shift rotations but does not increase total hours or pay; the trial will last 12 weeks and the chief will report results to the council.
Why it matters: The schedule is intended to improve officer morale by adjusting weekend assignments and shift rotation while maintaining contractual pay and not increasing overtime costs beyond existing budgets.
What the council approved: The council authorized the chief to sign the MOU with the patrol union to run a 12‑week trial. Supporters said the schedule could provide more predictable time off; staff said the trial will allow evaluation before any permanent MOU changes.
Next steps: Police leadership will monitor impacts on coverage and overtime and return to the council after the trial with a report including suggestions for permanent changes if warranted.
Ending: Council members welcomed the trial as a low‑risk way to test a scheduling change that may help retention and morale.
