The State - News from Jan. 20, 1987

Replacing police cruisers with mini-vans and switching to a four-day work week are among several changes designed to improve the efficiency of the San Francisco Police Department. After installing communications and computer equipment, weapons, sirens and lights, the department found that today’s smaller cars did not have a great deal of room for two police officers. “The mid-size autos now used for patrol are smaller this year,” said spokesman Dave Ambrose, “plus we have additional equipment.” The department has purchased 10 mini-vans and is modifying them for police work. Officers at one station have also been experimenting with four-day, 10-hour-a-day work weeks. “We’ve had no problems, and the officers like it because they have a three-day weekend,” Capt. Michael Brush said.