Police Regulations: Exigencies Of Duty

5 December 2025

Q: What does Regulation 22 say about altering a published duty roster?

A: Once a duty roster has been published three months in advance, it cannot be altered except in the following circumstances:

• The alteration is made at your own request

• The alteration is otherwise agreed with the Federation branch

• The alteration arises from exigencies of duty

Q: What are “exigencies of duty”?

A: Exigencies of duty refers to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances that require changes to duty rosters because no reasonable alternatives exist.

Examples include:

• Unforeseen public order situations

• Court attendance

• Essential critical training

• Intelligence-led crime operations

Q: What situations are not considered exigencies of duty?

A: Situations that can be anticipated and planned for in advance do not qualify as exigencies of duty. These include:

• Public celebrations such as Christmas, New Year, Halloween, and Bonfire Night

• Planned events such as music concerts and festivals

The only exception is where late-notice intelligence indicates a significant public safety risk.

 

 

Q: What happens if my duty roster is changed due to an exigency of duty?

A:

• If you are required to work on a rostered rest day, you receive the usual compensation for a cancelled rest day.

• If the rest day is cancelled with less than 15 days’ notice, you receive overtime at time-and-a-half.

• If the rest day is cancelled with more than 15 days’ notice, you are entitled to a re-rostered rest day.

Q: What if my duty roster is changed due to an exigency of duty, but I am later told I’m no longer required?

A:

• If you are told with less than 8 days’ notice, your rest day is reinstated and you may claim the appropriate compensation.

• If you are told with more than 7 days’ notice, your rest day is reinstated without compensation.

Q: I have been served a Misconduct paper and told that I am moving to a new team with a different shift pattern. Can the Force do this to me?

A: The local Federation branch has negotiated that in these circumstances, the officers' move and (technical exigency of duty) would have had to have been authorised by the DCC and discussed with the Police Federation.

Q: Where can I find more information on Regulation 22?

A: The latest Quick Reference Guide from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) provides further information on Regulation 22 and other Police Regulations.

Q: What should I do if I have concerns about changes to my duty roster or about exigencies of duty?

A: You should contact your Federation office for advice and support.