NCJ Number
84054
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 194-205
Date Published
1982
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A review of the literature indicates that while women generally are not as phusically strong as men, they can be trained to achieve a level of physical fitness that will enable them to meet the normal demands of policing.
Abstract
Studies of the physical demands of police tasks indicate it would be possible for many women to perform the vast majority of tasks required of the police with little difficulty; however, the problem lies with those infrequent critical incidents requiring a large reserve of strength and fitness in officers, such as chasing and wrestling suspects into submission, intervening in physical disputes, and pulling victims from wrecked vehicles. Studies of the performance of female athletes shows, however, that women can be trained to perform physically demanding tasks. Further, developing alternative procedures that permit officers to use the resources at their command will allow officers to maximize their effectiveness and accomplish tasks otherwise beyond their capacity. Police agencies should require women to meet the same physical criteria as their male counterparts. Yet, it is not essential that female applicants pass a fitness test as a condition of acceptance into the academy. The better approach would be to require recruits to pass a job-related fitness test upon completion of the academy and prior to their acceptance as police officers. Physical fitness training programs should be individualized so persons can develop in those areas where they are weakest. A total of 28 notes and 83 references are provided.