To simplify officer scheduling, many public safety administrators rely on officer scheduling software. This not only cuts the amount of time they spend on scheduling; it also can reduce overtime, ensure proper coverage, and improve communication. Here are seven features that are most important for law enforcement leaders to look for when selecting staff scheduling software.
1. Staffing Calculations
Officer scheduling software that manually performs
staffing calculations gives administrators more time to focus
on core responsibilities. In addition to increasing productivity,
this helps ensure every shift is properly staffed to meet their
department's specific criteria. For optimal compliance assurance,
public safety facilities should adopt scheduling software that
allows supervisors to instantly see how many people are scheduled
by shift, position, skill, or division.
2. Patterns and Rotations
No matter which type of schedule patterns or rotations they use,
recreating schedules each month can be a time-intensive task.
Scheduling software that allows administrators to easily copy
schedule patterns and rotations far into the future saves them from
re-entering repeating schedule information. Software that lets them
schedule multiple employees at once saves them additional time and
simplifies complex scheduling.
3. Mobile App
Officers aren't sitting at their desks all day - most
often, they aren't even in the building. So, it doesn't make sense
for their schedules to be there either. Scheduling software that
includes a mobile app
allows officers, administrators, and staff to view up-to-the minute
schedules on any mobile device. Some apps allow employees to submit
cover, swap, time-off, and other schedule requests remotely, and
lets managers view staffing needs and make last-minute changes if
necessary.
4. Communication
Scheduling software that allows managers to instantly
communicate with staff via email and text message helps managers
fill open shifts fast. It provides them the ability to alert staff
of schedule changes or notify them when there is a need for
additional manpower in times of crisis. Software that lets managers
send messages to a select group of qualified and available
personnel helps get messages to the right people at the right
times.
5. Compliance Management
Scheduling software that tracks skills and certifications ensures
every shift is staffed with properly qualified individuals. Some
software alerts administrators as far as 90 days before any
expiration dates - reducing legal exposure. Administrators should
look for software that allows schedulers to organize
and view the information most important to them on one screen.
This makes it easy for them stay on top of key scheduling and
compliance issues.
6. Affordability
Law enforcement departments must maintain high levels of service
within tight budgetary restrictions. Administrators should consider
the initial investment, as well as monthly and annual costs. Some
software companies offer flexible pricing, which can be adjusted to
meet specific personnel requirements. This ensures the department
is paying only for the services they need.
7. Resource Management
For optimal resource management, public safety departments should
invest in software that includes reporting tools, which allow them
to monitor officer's shifts and hours - preventing unnecessary
overtime costs. Some software even calculates employee utilization
and efficiency and can provide an estimate of labor costs for a
given work period.
Are you ready to streamline scheduling and improve communication for your public safety department? Start your 30-day FREE trial of ScheduleAnywhere today!
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