SANTA FE, N.M.—A Santa Fe Police Department report shows the agency saved more than $82,000 in overtime costs after shifting to a five-day work week.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (bit.ly/RiRnL9) the research found that in the 2010-11 fiscal year, the department paid nearly $1 million in overtime. The following fiscal year after the switch to the five-day work week saw an 8.3 percent reduction in costs.

Police Chief Ray Rael says the switch isn't only saving the department money, but provides more manpower on patrol over a 24-hour period.

Rael also says the report found the new schedule has reduced annual leave pay and sick leave costs.

Until last summer, officers had been working four-day, 10-hour shifts.

The Santa Fe Police Officers Association had objected to the change.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com

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