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Bartholomew County deputies to test 12-hour weekend shifts

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) – Deputies in a southern Indiana city will work longer weekend shifts as part of an effort to increase law enforcement presence on those days.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says his department is launching a three-month pilot program in which deputies will work 12-hour weekend shifts. The Republic reports the experiment will double the number of full-time merit deputies working each weekend day from three to six.

Myers says the idea stemmed from changes in jail staffing that moved those employees to 12-hour shifts about eight years ago.

The sheriff’s department hopes the changes allow it to put more deputies on the road, improve service and provide more backup.

A panel will evaluate the trial period in May and make recommendations to Myers.