Improving Fitness in Policing

Law enforcement is recognized as a physically and mentally demanding profession. Most police officers start their careers in relatively good physical condition, having been required to exercise to some standard, while in the academy. Although most officers seem to agree fitness is an important factor of the job and this does not seem to carry over the course of a career in many cases. Time coupled by the stresses of the job, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits have resulted in police officers being at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than members of the general public, unfortunately also resulting in higher mortality rates for law enforcement officers. Additionally, there is evidence showing poor fitness increases risk of injury, absenteeism, lower productivity and in some cases results in improper uses of force, all of which are detrimental to the entire police organization. There is a need for physical fitness in policing and police administrators should implement voluntary physical fitness programs within their organizations to combat the issue. These programs should be targeted at improving the overall health of their officers which in turn will have a positive impact on the employee, the department and the members of the community being served. To ensure success the program must be supported by organizational leaders. Education, goal setting, and incentives along with support of different options will help enlist participation.