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Denver Police Department Dumping Most 10-Hour Patrol Shifts

DENVER (CBS4) - Starting next year, Denver Police Chief Robert White is curtailing 4-day work weeks for most Denver officers, returning them to 8-hour days, 5 days a week.

The chief made the announcement to officers Tuesday in a letter obtained by CBS4.

"After a great deal of careful consideration and discussion with my Command Staff, I have decided that, effective with Period 1 of 2016, officers who work Details 1 and 2 in our Patrol Districts will transition from 10-hour shifts to 8-hour shifts", wrote White in a letter obtained by CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass.

White went on to say the decision was not taken lightly, "but is absolutely necessary to ensure that our resources are deployed in the most efficient manner. This change will free more time for officers to devote to proactive work, which will allow us to effectively address our primary mission, which is to prevent crime."

The letter said officers working overnight shifts will still be allowed to work 10-hour days.

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.

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