Some scheduling changes might be on the horizon for the Fort Dodge Police Department. The Fort Dodge City Council will consider a change transitioning from a shift-bidding model to a rotating shift schedule at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
According to the memo from Jamie Anderson, Human Resource Director for the City of Fort Dodge, the city and police department first agreed to shift bidding in December of 2021. This model was later solidified into the current police collective agreement in 2022, which is set to expire in 2027.
The memo goes on to say that the police union and city management have met to address concerns regarding the current shift-bidding process. Both parties agree that change is necessary to support the long-term success for both the police department and the community. A rotating shift structure will help distribute experience more evenly across all patrol shifts to help strengthen professional development, improve morale, and ensure that new officers receive high-quality training alongside experienced professionals.
If the change is approved by the City Council, the agreement would take effect on January 1s, 2026. The agreement would only pertain to Patrol Division officers.
According to the agreement, rotations for patrol shifts to move from day shift to night shift and vice versa will occur each March, July, and November or as close to as is reasonable.
The Council is scheduled to meet for their regular meeting Monday, November 24th 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building.
