NCJ Number
77289
Date Published
1975
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This study aimed to determine the level of physical activity required by Ohio law enforcement officers in the course of their work so that entrance examinations can be developed to measure physical fitness.
Abstract
The results were intended to help the State's larger law enforcement agencies prepare descriptions of their officers' physical strength as well as endurance testing programs to comply with LEAA regulations regarding Equal Employment Opportunity programs. During December 1974 and January 1975, researchers rode in police patrol cars operating from a 44-officer (30 patrol officers) police department and held interviews with patrol officers, the chief of police, and representatives of all the ranking officers. The interview questions concerned pursuit on foot and hand-to-hand combat experienced by officers and their views on physical training programs. The resulting physical requirements are presented in two categories: observed requirements and perceived requirements. Observed requirements concerned ability to assist emergency vehicles in the transport of sudden-illness victims and in auto accidents involving property damage, both of which called for minimal physical involvement. Also included were the potential requirements in such possibly dangerous situations as domestic trouble, possible break and entry, suspicious car, and vacation check, all of which could call for pursuit and restraint actions. Perceived requirements were those which might arise in over 80 possible violation situations calling for sitting, walking, foot pursuit, or overtaking perpetrators. Two basic physical requirements were identified. General body strength, particularly of the hand, arm, and shoulder muscle groups (measurable by a grip-strength test) is needed for hand-to-hand contact and endurance fitness (measurable using the Harvard Step Test for Men and the Sloan Step Test for Women) is necessary for all possible foot pursuits. Recommendations for entrance examinations and maintenance programs in these areas are presented. In addition, it was observed that physical fitness programs should be incorporated into the daily work routine in order to be effective. Exercise tables, illustrations, a seven-item reference list, and an appendix containing a workshop agenda and a participants' list are included.