“Exhausted Cops:” A Policing in a Minute Series

Police work is tiring. No doubt. Cops work until the job gets done. The don’t get to schedule serious crime or disasters. They respond and work the problem until there’s a resolution. That’s what society expects from them and they do it with their eyes wide open. That doesn’t mean that working 24 hours straight is good for them. But they do what they have to to keep their communities safe and bring closure to victims and their loved ones.

Police fatigue is more than just feeling tired — it's a critical issue that affects officer safety, decision-making, and public trust. In this concise yet insightful Policing in a Minute podcast series we explore the hidden risks and consequences of police fatigue across four episodes.

Episode 1 provides an overview of the issue, highlighting the importance of understanding police fatigue. Episode 2 dives into the impacts on officer performance and safety, emphasizing how fatigue can compromise critical decisions. Episode 3 offers practical advice for police officers on managing and reducing their fatigue. And Episode 4 suggests strategies that agencies can implement to mitigate fatigue and enhance officer wellness.

Each episode delivers the three most essential points about this crucial topic in under a minute, ensuring that listeners receive actionable and research-based information swiftly. As we say, “no fluff, just the bottom line.”

Policing in a Minute is the first podcast of the Future Policing Institute. We’ll release our next one soon. Until then, enjoy the first episode of this the series without leaving your desktop browser by clicking below. To listen on your smartphone, click here. And remember, you can find all the episodes of Policing in a Minute wherever you get your podcasts.