As San Diego police officers log thousands of overtime hours to fill staffing gaps, concerns grow about the risks of fatigue on public safety. Dr. Lois James, director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center at Washington State University Spokane, says overworked officers face serious impairment — often equivalent to alcohol intoxication.
“Officers who are particularly tired, they’re less likely to de-escalate,” said James. “They’re less able to manage crisis encounters.”
James’ research shows accident and error risks rise sharply after 8 hours on duty and skyrocket after 12. The long-term impact? Burnout, increased sick leave, lawsuits, and more officer vacancies — what she calls a “fatigue tax.”
James advocates for structural changes, like mandatory rest periods and department nap policies. Without them, she warns, cities may end up paying far more — in dollars and in safety — than overtime is worth.
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