NCJ Number
173048
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 24 Issue: 8 Dated: August 1997 Pages: 34-40
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes implementing physical fitness programs and enrolling in health clubs as ways to ensure police officers' physical fitness.
Abstract
Statistics have shown that officers who are physically fit have fewer complaints, fewer injuries, and higher productivity. Unfit officers cost about two to three times more than fit officers. Police departments are finding it advisable to apply physical fitness standards to all officers throughout their careers, not just to recruits, and are working to help officers meet those standards. Departments that were designed and built before gyms were commonplace are converting storage rooms into exercise areas, and providing fitness equipment. Some municipalities are providing fitness club memberships for city and county employees to encourage them to lead healthy lives by eating well and exercising regularly. The article describes the ideal police department as one that has a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a policy that would allow for on-duty workouts, or at least lunchtime workouts.