Power naps in cop shop
Officers urged to take a snooze to beat fatigue
GOLD Coast cops have been encouraged to take a “power nap’’ while on the graveyard shift to combat fatigue.
The Bulletin has obtained an email sent out to senior police on the Coast, from the local Police Union rep Senior Sergeant Phil Notaro, in which he suggests officers on night duty should be able to take a “power nap” if they need to at work.
The issue has sparked a debate in the ranks about what is a sleep and what is a power nap.
Official policy dictates police cannot take a power nap on duty, but a QPS spokesman has told the Bulletin that an officer found grabbing a bit of shut-eye would be offered support in fatigue management rather than disciplined.
Sen-Sgt Notaro said in his email to senior police: “I have had some inquiries in relation to the rights of members to be able to sleep while on duty (power nap).
“With regards to a power nap, it is clear that this should not extend beyond 15 to 20 minutes; longer could cause sleep inertia, which can be dangerous when working.
“Ideally, common sense should prevail and any power nap would be expected to be a quick nap in a chair or at a desk.
“I would suggest that actions such as the taking off of uniform, or bringing in pillows, mattresses and blankets etc would indicate or encourage longer and deeper sleep and would not be in the spirit of the Managing Fatigue OLP (police policy) and could subject the member to disciplinary action.”
The email lists other ways officers could remain “alert on night work”, including keeping mentally and physically active, staying cool and dry, using caffeine wisely, drinking water and breathing deeply.
The email says there is no provision for members to sleep on the job and if caught, they could face disciplinary action.
“In short, there is no industrial provision or right for any member to sleep while on duty, and sleeping on duty could subject members to disciplinary action.”
A Queensland Police spokesman said officers were not allowed to take power naps on the job, but a fatigue management policy was recently introduced.
“Queensland Police Service (QPS) policy does not provide for officers to take power naps,” the spokesman said.
“The QPS has recently approved a fatigue management policy and guidelines focused on the health and safety of employees by ensuring the risks arising from fatigue are identified and appropriate controls are implemented.
“The policy and guidelines require employees and the organisation to monitor and re- view these control measures to ensure the risk is being mitigated.”
The QPS denied there was any move to implement a power nap policy.
“No. The QPS is focused on educating employees about how to get good-quality sleep to enable them to be well rested and capable of performing their duties at all times on shift.
“The QPS is also focused on ensuring that work scheduling minimises the risk of fatigue.”
The spokesman said rather than disciplinary action against an officer caught power napping, they would be offered support to help manage fatigue.