Regulation 22
Police Duties & Roster Rules
The legal backbone of police shift governance. A deep dive into the 1-month publication rule, Annex V flexibility, and the limits of operational necessity.
Notice: Independent explanatory guidance based on Police Regulations 2003. Not legal advice.
Executive Summary
Regulation 22 is the primary authority for duty rosters. It balance management’s need for flexibility with your right to a predictable life.
- Publication: Roster must be published at least 1 month in advance.
- Requirements: Must show days, hours, rest days, and holidays.
- Annex V: Governs Variable Shift Arrangements (VSA).
- Limits: Short-notice changes require "operational necessity."
What can Regulation 22 do?
Regulation 22 requires police forces to publish a duty roster at least one month before it takes effect. It is the legal mechanism that prevents management from changing shifts on a whim without operational justification.
Forces MUST show days and hours of duty for the next month.
Changes can occur for operational necessity via Annex V rules.
While the regulation provides the structure for your working life, it does not guarantee immutability. It sets the balance between your officer status as an office holder and the need for a functioning public service.
Section 1: The Regulatory Core
What the Law Actually Says
In simplified terms, Regulation 22 of the Police Regulations 2003 states that:
A Chief Officer shall cause a duty roster to be prepared showing: the days of duty, the hours of duty, rest days, and public holidays. This roster must be published not less than one month before the period to which it relates.
This creates predictability. However, it does not create immutability. The regulation serves as a framework to ensure that officers are not subjected to arbitrary variations that destroy work-life balance without an immediate operational reason.
Annex V & Variable Shifts
Annex V allows forces to implement Variable Shift Arrangements (VSA). This is where most modern shift patterns live.
- Shifts can vary in length (e.g., 8hr, 10hr, 12hr).
- Start and finish times may fluctuate between pattern blocks.
- Consultation with the Police Federation is required for implementation.
VSA does not remove the 1-month rule; it simply defines how variations occur within that rostered framework.
The Limiting Principle
Operational Necessity Defined
Once a roster is published, changes should only occur where a genuine operational necessity arises. This threshold is higher than mere "convenience."
- • Unforeseen critical incidents
- • Spontaneous major disorder
- • Sudden, unavoidable staff deficits
- • Routine poor planning
- • Chronic, known staffing gaps
- • Non-operational preference
Real-World Examples
The Spontaneous Protest
A major protest is announced 24 hours in advance. Your late shift is moved to an early morning start to provide policing coverage.
The Rota Patch-Up
Your force is routinely 20% down on night shifts every Friday. Management moves different officers every week to fill the gap instead of hiring or structurally changing the hub.
The 11-Hour Breach
A shift change requires you to finish at 3 AM and start again at 8 AM. This violates the 11-hour rest rule under Working Time principles.
Regulation 22 Limits
It provides structure, not immunity. Specifically, Regulation 22 does NOT:
- Guarantee your shift cannot change (Management power remains).
- Prevent last-minute overtime or shift extensions.
- Stop recall from leave (Governed by Regulation 33).
- Override genuine "Operational Necessity."
The Compensation Trigger
| Situation | Action | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Hours Increase | Working beyond rostered hours | Overtime (1.33x/1.5x) |
| Shift Slide | Shift moved but total hours same | Usually No Extra Pay |
| 11-Hr Rest Breach | Start time encroaches on mandatory rest | Adjusted Start Time |
What to Do If Your Shift Is Changed
Ask for the "Operational Necessity" reasoning.
Confirm if your total duty hours have increased.
Verify 11-hour rest compliance between shifts.
Log all overtime accurately in force systems.
Persistent patterns of short-notice changes for routine staffing should be raised with your local Federation representative.
Common Questions
What is Regulation 22 in the police?
Regulation 22 governs duty rosters in the Police Regulations 2003. It requires a duty roster to be published at least one month in advance and outlines how shifts may be structured and varied.
Can police change shifts after a roster is published?
Yes, where operational necessity justifies the change. However, repeated routine changes may be challengeable if they are due to poor planning rather than unforeseen demand.
Does Regulation 22 guarantee fixed shifts?
No. It guarantees the publication of a roster, giving officers advance notice of their expected work, but it does not make those shifts immutable if operational needs arise.
What is Annex V?
Annex V covers Variable Shift Arrangements, allowing flexibility in start and finish times under defined rules, provided they have been properly consulted upon.
Do I get paid if my shift is moved?
Usually no, provided your total duty hours remain the same. Extra payment only triggers if your total hours increase or if a rest day or public holiday is affected.
This guide is maintained for informational purposes based on Police Regulations 2003 and Annex V. Forces may have local variations in how rosters are published and managed. Always consult your local Police Federation representative for individual legal or conduct advice.