Fitness Promotion Programs in Law Enforcement: A Review of Current Practices

• NCJ Number: 221339
• Author(s): Donna Brown; Kenneth Krueger; John Berner Ph.D.
• Date Published: June 1986
• Length: 68 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded January 24, 2008.

Annotation

After an overview of the characteristics and benefits of employer physical-fitness promotion programs for employees, this report presents survey findings on the prevalence and characteristics of such programs in California law enforcement agencies.

Abstract

Chapter 1 explains why employers are creating fitness promotion programs, followed by chapter 2 which outlines the components of such programs. These components include a fitness assessment (health-oriented fitness assessment and job-performance fitness assessment); health intervention; and health education. Differences in program objectives and orientation are noted. Chapter 3 identifies the benefits of fitness promotion programs, with attention to benefits for law enforcement officers. A section on the effectiveness of specific health intervention strategies focuses on smoking cessation, hypertension control, and physical activity/exercise. Chapter 4 addresses the characteristics of fitness promotion programs in law enforcement. They are divided into job-related programs and health-related programs. For each of the two types of programs the chapter discusses assessment, standards, and advantages and disadvantages of the program type. Chapter 4 contains a section on the prevalence and nature of California law enforcement in-service fitness programs. Data and information are provided on program content, mandatory versus voluntary programs, program incentives, the features of fitness assessment, health education, and fitness interventions. A discussion of program implementation considers when programs were implemented, how they were initiated and implemented, why they were terminated, and the characteristics of agencies that did not implement a fitness promotion program. Program costs are also addressed. Chapter 5 focuses on program implementation and design considerations. A section on the identification of needs and priorities compares costs in relation to benefits and reviews program management options. Critical factors for program success are identified as defining program objectives, obtaining employer/employee support, effective program management, and program evaluation. 154 references and an appended list of agencies that participated in the survey