CHESTER, PA — The Chester Police Department has announced a significant adjustment to its staffing strategy to increase patrol visibility and improve community relations. Effective immediately, officers will transition to 12-hour shifts. This change is designed to raise the number of on-duty patrol officers per shift from seven to ten.
This new shift structure, supported by the City of Chester Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP), aims to deter crime and foster positive community connections. Additionally, the revised schedule allows officers to enjoy every other weekend off, an improvement over the previous three eight-hour shifts.
“Our first priority in City government is to ensure that our residents are safe in their homes and businesses and all public areas, and I can assure our residents that Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen,” said Mayor Stefan Roots. “What’s more, I want to thank the Fraternal Order of Police and all of our dedicated police officers for their cooperation.”
The changes align with Mayor Roots’ Safe Summer Initiative, which includes a juvenile curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and the development of programs to provide youth with safe and enriching spaces like camps, sports leagues, and free tickets to Philadelphia Union games.
The Chester Police Department currently has 36 active patrol officers and approximately 60 personnel in total. New regulations permit applicants living within 50 miles of City Hall to join the Chester Police Department. The Department is actively recruiting for open positions.
Those interested in joining the Chester Police Department can find more information and apply at the City’s official website.
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