NCJ Number
91808
Journal
National Centurion Volume: 1 Issue: 8 Dated: (November 1983) Pages: 33-37
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes various weight-loss programs being used in New England police departments, including those that are officially sanctioned, mandatory, and voluntary.
Abstract
In Vernon, Ct., the town has a policy that allows overweight rookies to be hired, with the condition they lose weight before they are put on full-time. While most conform to the weight requirement to be hired, there is little incentive to maintain the weight requirement after hiring. The Boston Police Department inaugurated a pilot program of weight loss that used hypnosis to maintain the positive attitudes required for sustained efforts at weight loss. The program was not mandatory, so those participating desired to lose weight. In the Willimantic, Ct., police department, a weight-loss program was begun voluntarily by an officer who sold the Cambridge diet to about half of the force. This involves using the supplied diet drink in lieu of regular eating habits to lose weight while receiving the required nutrients. Dover, N.H., used an administration backed program that offers sizable incentives for losing weight. Officers must pass a physical fitness test during annual reviews. If the test is failed, which happens if an officer is overweight, a merit pay raise is not granted that year. In Middletown, Ct., city police face more than merit pay as an incentive. If the officer does not carry the required weight for his/her height, he/she is suspended without pay until the required weight has been achieved.