Mandatory Physical Fitness Standards: Issues and Concerns

• NCJ Number: 138477
• Journal: Police Chief Volume: 59 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 74-78
• Author(s): J J Ness
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article on police mandatory physical fitness standards discusses the current state of fitness, firearms and fitness, the importance of fitness, implementation considerations, legal considerations, mandatory testing and enforcement of standards, implementation of a fitness program, programs currently in effect, and the inclusion of a physical fitness program in collective bargaining agreements.

Abstract

Collingwood, in a recent lecture at the Cooper Institute for Research, stated that U.S. police officers are approximately 10 years behind in the area of physical fitness. He also stated, however, that physical fitness programs are now being viewed as a necessity within the law enforcement community and that mandatory physical fitness standards are becoming institutionalized. Poor physical fitness not only reduces officer effectiveness in certain situations, but also increases officers' safety risk to themselves and to other officers. In implementing a mandatory physical fitness program, police administrators must consider a number of factors, including legal aspects, cost factors, officer safety, morale, and collective bargaining agreements. As a first step in the implementation of a fitness program, there should be a mandatory wellness program, which would include provision of information on a healthier lifestyle and the administration of a physical exam. Second, any potential negative impact on any group of officers should be identified and avoided until it is determined whether the requirements at issue are job related. Before implementing any mandatory standard, consult with fitness experts and legal counsel to determine its legality. The article questions the wisdom of making parameters for a physical fitness program part of the collective bargaining agreement, since any change or improvement in the program would be more difficult and time- consuming. The physical fitness programs of the police departments are briefly described. 11 references