Quick Overview
- 1#1: RotaMaster - Advanced rostering software tailored for police forces to create fair, compliant, and optimized shift schedules.
- 2#2: PPM 2000 ShiftManager - Comprehensive scheduling solution for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies with overtime tracking and rule enforcement.
- 3#3: CUSP Software - Customizable scheduling program designed specifically for police departments to manage complex shift rotations and personnel.
- 4#4: CustomSchED - Tailored scheduling software for police, fire, and EMS with features for bid sheets, trades, and compliance.
- 5#5: ShiftWizard by Deputy - Mobile-first scheduling tool for first responders including police, with fatigue management and real-time updates.
- 6#6: Snap Schedule - Employee scheduling software that handles rotating shifts, overtime, and labor cost forecasting for public safety.
- 7#7: When I Work - Flexible shift scheduling app with availability management, shift trades, and notifications suitable for police teams.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large police departments.
- 9#9: WorkForce Software - Robust workforce management suite for shift planning, fatigue monitoring, and regulatory compliance in public safety.
- 10#10: Sling - Team scheduling software with labor cost control, shift swapping, and communication tools adaptable for police shifts.
We selected and ranked these tools based on their alignment with police-specific needs—including compliance, fatigue tracking, and adaptability—paired with usability, technical performance, and overall value for departments of varying sizes.
Comparison Table
Efficient police shift scheduling is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness, and selecting the right software depends on evaluating features like customization, integration, and user-friendliness. This comparison table examines leading options including RotaMaster, PPM 2000 ShiftManager, CUSP Software, CustomSchED, ShiftWizard by Deputy, and more, providing a clear overview for departments seeking to optimize their scheduling process. Readers will discover key strengths, limitations, and suitability of each tool to match their team’s specific needs and workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RotaMaster Advanced rostering software tailored for police forces to create fair, compliant, and optimized shift schedules. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | PPM 2000 ShiftManager Comprehensive scheduling solution for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies with overtime tracking and rule enforcement. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | CUSP Software Customizable scheduling program designed specifically for police departments to manage complex shift rotations and personnel. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | CustomSchED Tailored scheduling software for police, fire, and EMS with features for bid sheets, trades, and compliance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | ShiftWizard by Deputy Mobile-first scheduling tool for first responders including police, with fatigue management and real-time updates. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Snap Schedule Employee scheduling software that handles rotating shifts, overtime, and labor cost forecasting for public safety. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | When I Work Flexible shift scheduling app with availability management, shift trades, and notifications suitable for police teams. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large police departments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | WorkForce Software Robust workforce management suite for shift planning, fatigue monitoring, and regulatory compliance in public safety. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Sling Team scheduling software with labor cost control, shift swapping, and communication tools adaptable for police shifts. | other | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
Advanced rostering software tailored for police forces to create fair, compliant, and optimized shift schedules.
Comprehensive scheduling solution for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies with overtime tracking and rule enforcement.
Customizable scheduling program designed specifically for police departments to manage complex shift rotations and personnel.
Tailored scheduling software for police, fire, and EMS with features for bid sheets, trades, and compliance.
Mobile-first scheduling tool for first responders including police, with fatigue management and real-time updates.
Employee scheduling software that handles rotating shifts, overtime, and labor cost forecasting for public safety.
Flexible shift scheduling app with availability management, shift trades, and notifications suitable for police teams.
Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large police departments.
Robust workforce management suite for shift planning, fatigue monitoring, and regulatory compliance in public safety.
Team scheduling software with labor cost control, shift swapping, and communication tools adaptable for police shifts.
RotaMaster
specializedAdvanced rostering software tailored for police forces to create fair, compliant, and optimized shift schedules.
Proprietary Fairness Engine that automatically generates legally compliant, equitable rotas minimizing disputes.
RotaMaster is a leading rostering and scheduling software tailored for police and public safety organizations, automating the creation of complex shift patterns while ensuring fairness, compliance, and fatigue management. It supports shift bidding, swaps, overtime tracking, and integrates seamlessly with HR, payroll, and time-recording systems. Proven in major UK police forces like Thames Valley and Durham Constabulary, it optimizes workforce deployment and minimizes administrative burdens.
Pros
- Advanced fairness algorithms for equitable shift distribution
- Comprehensive fatigue risk modeling and compliance tools
- Robust integrations with HR/payroll and mobile app for officers
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration
- Custom enterprise pricing lacks transparency
- Primarily suited for large-scale deployments
Best For
Large police departments and public safety agencies needing sophisticated, regulation-compliant shift scheduling with fatigue management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically annual subscriptions starting from £10,000+ based on user count and modules.
PPM 2000 ShiftManager
specializedComprehensive scheduling solution for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies with overtime tracking and rule enforcement.
Intelligent auto-scheduling engine that generates optimized rosters respecting seniority, qualifications, fatigue rules, and minimum staffing requirements
PPM 2000 ShiftManager is a robust workforce management software designed specifically for public safety agencies like police departments, focusing on automated shift scheduling and optimization. It handles complex rotating shifts, enforces union rules and qualifications, manages overtime bidding, and provides real-time staffing visibility. The platform integrates with time tracking, HR systems, and CAD/RMS for seamless operations, while offering mobile apps for officers to view schedules, request swaps, and receive notifications.
Pros
- Advanced rules engine for automatic scheduling compliant with labor laws and preferences
- Comprehensive mobile app supporting shift trades, availability updates, and push notifications
- Strong reporting and analytics for forecasting staffing needs and overtime trends
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial configuration and rule setup
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small departments
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations with non-public safety systems
Best For
Mid-to-large police departments requiring sophisticated, rule-based scheduling to manage 24/7 operations efficiently.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $50-100 per user/month, scaled by department size and modules.
CUSP Software
specializedCustomizable scheduling program designed specifically for police departments to manage complex shift rotations and personnel.
Built-in public safety overtime engine that automatically calculates FLSA-compliant pay for rotating shifts and callbacks
CUSP Software's LYNX platform is a specialized workforce management solution tailored for public safety agencies, including police departments, focusing on shift scheduling, timekeeping, and compliance. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time staffing visibility, overtime management, and integration with payroll systems while adhering to FLSA regulations and union rules common in law enforcement. The software also supports mobile access for officers and robust reporting for administrators to optimize shift coverage and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Public safety-specific scheduling rules like Kelly and 4-on/4-off patterns
- Seamless FLSA compliance and overtime automation
- Comprehensive reporting and mobile app for real-time updates
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Implementation requires significant setup time
Best For
Medium to large police departments needing robust, compliance-focused scheduling for complex shift patterns.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing depending on agency size, users, and modules; typically starts in the mid-five figures annually.
CustomSchED
specializedTailored scheduling software for police, fire, and EMS with features for bid sheets, trades, and compliance.
Advanced automated shift bidding engine that fully respects collective bargaining agreements and officer preferences
CustomSchED is a specialized scheduling platform tailored for public safety agencies like police departments, enabling efficient management of shift bidding, overtime, and staffing levels. It automates complex scheduling processes while adhering to union rules, certifications, and rotating shift patterns common in law enforcement. The software also integrates timekeeping, leave tracking, and reporting to reduce administrative burdens and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Highly customizable for police-specific shift patterns like 12-hour rotations and Kelly schedules
- Robust shift bidding system that prioritizes seniority, qualifications, and preferences
- Strong mobile app for real-time schedule access and self-service swaps
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial setup and configuration
- Pricing can be high for small departments with limited budgets
- Fewer integrations with general HR/payroll systems compared to broader platforms
Best For
Mid-sized police departments needing advanced, compliance-focused scheduling for complex shift bidding and overtime management.
Pricing
Custom pricing upon request, typically subscription-based starting at $5-15 per user/month depending on agency size and features.
ShiftWizard by Deputy
specializedMobile-first scheduling tool for first responders including police, with fatigue management and real-time updates.
Employee-driven shift trading via mobile app with instant manager approval and notifications
ShiftWizard by Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in shift scheduling, time tracking, and team communication for shift-based operations. It enables drag-and-drop roster creation, automated notifications, mobile shift swaps, and integration with payroll systems to streamline workforce planning. While versatile across industries, it offers reliable tools for police departments to manage officer shifts, overtime, and availability, though it lacks deep law enforcement-specific customizations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for shift swaps and real-time updates
- Strong integration with common payroll and time-tracking tools
Cons
- Limited built-in support for police-specific needs like seniority bidding or FLSA compliance
- Fewer integrations with law enforcement systems such as CAD or RMS
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier Enterprise plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized police departments needing an affordable, mobile-friendly scheduling tool without complex specialized requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essentials, billed annually), $5.25/user/month (Premium), Enterprise custom pricing.
Snap Schedule
enterpriseEmployee scheduling software that handles rotating shifts, overtime, and labor cost forecasting for public safety.
Seniority-based shift bidding that automates fair assignment of preferred shifts according to rank and tenure
Snap Schedule is a versatile employee scheduling software tailored for managing complex shift patterns in public safety organizations like police departments, featuring visual drag-and-drop scheduling, automated rotations, and overtime tracking. It supports both desktop (on-premise) and cloud-based (Snap Schedule 365) deployments, enabling efficient workforce management across 24/7 operations. The tool includes shift bidding based on seniority, labor cost forecasting, and detailed compliance reports essential for law enforcement scheduling.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built rotating shift patterns ideal for police
- Seniority-based shift bidding and automated scheduling rules
- Comprehensive reporting for attendance, overtime, and forecasting
Cons
- Desktop version requires installation and has a moderate learning curve
- Limited native mobile app compared to fully cloud competitors
- Pricing model favors larger departments over small ones
Best For
Medium to large police departments requiring robust tools for rotating shifts, seniority bidding, and compliance reporting.
Pricing
One-time licenses from $395 (Express) to $995 (Premium) per workstation; Snap Schedule 365 cloud subscriptions start at $29/user/month; volume discounts and quotes available.
When I Work
enterpriseFlexible shift scheduling app with availability management, shift trades, and notifications suitable for police teams.
OpenShift feature allowing officers to claim available shifts via a self-service mobile marketplace
When I Work is a versatile cloud-based scheduling platform designed for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create schedules, handle shift trades, and manage time-off requests via web and mobile apps. For police shift scheduling, it offers solid basics like recurring shift templates, availability-based auto-scheduling, and employee self-service for swaps, making it suitable for smaller departments. However, it falls short on law enforcement-specific needs such as qualification tracking, overtime compliance rules, or integrations with dispatch/CAD systems.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for officers to view shifts, claim open slots, and request trades
- Automated notifications and reminders reduce no-shows and communication overhead
- Affordable pricing with strong core scheduling tools for basic police shift management
Cons
- Lacks police-specific features like certification/qualification tracking or beat/partner assignments
- Limited customization for complex rotating shifts common in law enforcement (e.g., 4/10s or Kelly schedules)
- No native integrations with public safety tools like CAD, RMS, or advanced time-tracking for FLSA compliance
Best For
Small to mid-sized police departments or auxiliary units needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling without advanced compliance or integration requirements.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential) up to $4/user/month (Advanced), billed annually.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management platform with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large police departments.
AI-powered Intelligent Scheduler that proactively optimizes shifts for compliance, cost, and fatigue risk in real-time
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform with robust workforce management features, including advanced shift scheduling designed for 24/7 operations like police departments. It automates schedule creation using rules-based algorithms, manages complex rotating shifts, overtime, and compliance with union agreements and labor laws. The software provides real-time forecasting, fatigue risk management, and seamless integration with time tracking, payroll, and reporting tools for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Highly customizable rules engine for police-specific shift patterns, overtime bidding, and seniority-based assignments
- AI-driven forecasting and fatigue management to optimize coverage and officer wellness
- Deep integrations with HCM modules for end-to-end workforce visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and extended implementation timeline for non-technical users
- High enterprise pricing that may overwhelm smaller departments
- Overly complex interface for straightforward scheduling needs
Best For
Large police departments or agencies with 500+ officers needing integrated HCM and advanced analytics alongside scheduling.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $60-120 per employee/month depending on modules and scale.
WorkForce Software
enterpriseRobust workforce management suite for shift planning, fatigue monitoring, and regulatory compliance in public safety.
Real-time Workforce Optimizer that uses AI to balance coverage, fairness, employee preferences, and regulatory compliance in dynamic shift environments
WorkForce Software's WorkForce Suite is a comprehensive workforce management platform that excels in shift scheduling for complex environments, including police departments. It automates the creation of fair and compliant schedules using rules-based engines that account for union agreements, overtime rules, and demand forecasting. The solution integrates scheduling with time tracking, absence management, and employee self-service portals to streamline operations in public safety agencies.
Pros
- Advanced rules-based scheduling handles complex police shift patterns and compliance requirements seamlessly
- Powerful forecasting and optimization tools reduce overtime costs and improve coverage
- Scalable for large departments with strong integration to HR and payroll systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small to mid-sized agencies
- Lacks some hyper-specialized police features like CAD integration or beat-specific assignments
Best For
Large police departments with intricate union rules and high-volume scheduling needs requiring enterprise scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users and modules.
Sling
otherTeam scheduling software with labor cost control, shift swapping, and communication tools adaptable for police shifts.
Labor cost forecasting that predicts expenses based on scheduled shifts and historical data
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform designed primarily for hourly workforces in retail, hospitality, and service industries, enabling quick schedule creation, shift trading, and team communication via mobile apps. For police shift scheduling, it provides basic drag-and-drop tools, availability management, and notifications but lacks specialized features like seniority-based bidding or compliance with public safety regulations. It's a general-purpose tool that can adapt to simple departmental needs without deep customization for law enforcement workflows.
Pros
- Free core scheduling for unlimited users
- Intuitive mobile app with real-time notifications and shift swaps
- Labor cost tracking to help manage overtime budgets
Cons
- No police-specific tools like rank/seniority bidding, certification tracking, or beat assignments
- Limited integrations with public sector payroll or records systems
- Scalability issues for large departments with complex rules
Best For
Small police departments or volunteer units needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling without advanced compliance features.
Pricing
Free for basic scheduling with unlimited users; Premium starts at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced reports and forecasting.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools present robust options for police shift scheduling, with RotaMaster leading as the top choice, thanks to its advanced focus on fairness, compliance, and optimization tailored for law enforcement. PPM 2000 ShiftManager stands out for comprehensive management and overtime control, while CUSP Software excels in adapting to complex rotations, each offering unique strengths. Together, they highlight the importance of efficient scheduling in supporting public safety efforts.
Don't miss out on enhancing your department's operations—try RotaMaster today to experience its tailored, streamlined approach to shift management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
