NCJ Number
124535
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 44-48,50
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Hazelwood Police Department (Missouri) has a physical fitness program that involves health screening, individualized health programs, and physical fitness testing.
Abstract
Hazelwood, a city of 16,000, crafted a mandatory fitness program designed to meet legal challenges if personnel must be disciplined for failing to meet standards. The DePaul Health Center was selected by the chief to design a fitness program. DePaul's director of fitness and health assessment has a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. Each officer participates in a two-part health screening that consists of obtaining medical information from each officer through questionnaires and interviews. Medical tests include measures of heart rate and blood pressure as well as an exercise stress test. The screening generates computerized reports on each officer. Based on screening, officers undertake individualized physical fitness rehabilitation. To ensure that officers maintain a fitness standard, an annual physical fitness test includes a timed 1.5-mile run or 3-mile walk, a bench press, sit ups, and a sit-and-reach test. After initial screening, officers have 3 years to pass the test before being disciplined.