NCJ Number
122848
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 62-67
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In response to evidence that stress, job frustration, and poor physical fitness habits are often more dangerous to police officers than armed adversaries, the Hobbs, New Mexico, Police Department instituted a physical training and stress management program.
Abstract
The Corporate Fitness Program, mandatory for all officers, was designed by the New Mexico Junior College physical education and athletics department; the department stresses letters of commendation as incentives for officer attendance and performance. The program is comprised of a cardiovascular exercise program, a nutritional diet, and elements for stress management. Officer profiles based on family histories, risk factors, and current level of physical activity, combined with physical testing allow the development of personalized exercise prescriptions. Participants can choose swimming, walking, bicycling or jogging as their exercise; they are asked to maintain a log of their physical activity. One of the biggest challenges has been to change the attitudes of many officers toward a mandated program of physical fitness. Classroom instruction paved the way for promotion of lifestyle changes. By stressing a gradual development of fitness and the importance of maintenance, program managers have defused some officers' anxiety over poor performance evaluations. The next phase of the program will include additional emphasis on updated and in-depth information on fitness and nutrition.