should police be required to qualify through a physical abilities test periodically?

[Mongo]

On my way to work this morning, I saw an L.A. Sheriff Deputy (motorcycle) working a traffic stop. The guy was obese. No joke. I don't know how he managed to ride the bike. There is no way he could do a single pull-up or even jog 2 miles.
I'm particularly aware of physical fitness, as I will soon be starting the Academy (knock on wood). I am really trying to get into shape so as not to fizzle out with PT. Anyway, I was just curious about other points of view on this issue. I thought the appearance of that deputy really reflected poorly on the Sheriff's Office. Why force recruits to come in at tip top shape, if you're going to let them become bloated hens after graduation?

[vadep]

Semi-annually we take the PAT, qualify handgun and shotgun. Annually we qualify on a tactical course (both handgun & shotgun). We are the only agency, that I know of, in my area that is required to take a PAT twice a year, but I completely support this policy. It tends to prevent the scenario you described above. In my two years with this department, I've never seen a fellow officer fail the PAT.

[txinvestigator1]

Vadep,

What happens if an officer fails a required test?

The problem with most PF requirements is this; if the department requires you to maintain a perscribed level of fitness, the department must provide you with the means to maintin that fitness.

There is also a question if the department must pay you for your time spent maintianing that fitness.

[neinta]

We have a 5 meter rule in my department (why it's metric, I don't know.). If you make an officer run more than five meters they are entitled to A) shoot you or B) run you down with the car. Of course, it's a joke. I love my boys but a few of them would not be able to pass a physical agility test. Good thing nothing ever happens in my town.

On a side note, the county/cities got slapped with a lawsuit a few years back about their physical agility test being discrimanatory. The current test consists of running on a treadmill for a few minutes and measuring where you resp and heart rates are at. Now is a good time to get in.

[vadep]

Good question TX, not sure what the answer is. My office maintains 2 gyms, one in the northern end of the county, one in the southern. Membership is free to all officers. Our Sheriff believes there is no excuse for a lack of physical fitness, so I can only hope that that would mean failure could result in dismissal. The way our PAT is run, I couldnt imagine how out of shape you would have to be to fail it. We have 2 6 foot walls (1 wood/1 chain link), an obstacle course, a dummy drag, and a half mile run. Word is that this is soon to be re-vamped, changing to a pushup/pullup/run type PAT.

[bhanson]

Most older officers I know consider mandatory physical fitness tests as the "40 & fired" test. As you age you simply can't do all the physical things you did when younger. I worked with a very obese officer for over 20 years and he was quick as a cat in everything he did. He suprised a lot of bad guys. As you age you learn to work smarter - not tougher. Although I will match my devious skills against most younger officers today. Age & experience beats youth and energy EVERYTIME... :p :D

[darrell]

The only department that requires a physical agility test every year inmichigan that i know of is the Michigan state Police. Thats cause they are like the damn Marines.

[Lfpdlieu302]

hey, whats wrong with marines? i agree that there should be some sort of policy or test taken to determine an officers fitness for duty. one of our officers went through the academy recently with a guy who weighed over 350lbs. !! it actually took two duty belts put together for him to wear one!! thats just too much. its not discrimination at that point, its the safety of the officer and the public if something were to go wrong. they dont have to be mean green fighting machines, but i think there should be some sort of a guideline ...you know plus or minus a certain amout for you height. now with that i mind i shall finish my twinkie now.

[Jungleboy]

I agree with most everyone in here that there should be a man/pt, but as it was mentioned the department would have to supply all needed materials and pay any expences includeing overtime for the officers. This is a problem that may never be overcome. I've been an officer for almost 8 yrs now, and none of the departments that I have worked for have a set test formatted for thier officers. It is left up to the officer himself/herself to take care of thier physical fittness.
I have worked: patrol/narcotics/criminal inv./bike patrol/, and I'm presently assigned to our county Tact team. Within this we are req: a 1/4ly physical phitt/test. I'm very proud of this due to the fact that I'm now 35, and I can feel my body changing. I'm not able to keep up with the 21 year old's anymore, so now I'm more of the one who will try another route of action.
"Remember, Don't work hard, Think hard, to catch the bad guy". ;) jb

[Stump]

We have workout rooms in every section office, our academy, and 911 center. Everyone that works each area has access to the equipment 24/7, and are encouraged to use it on lunch breaks or anytime we want to.

[Damn Kids]

yeah.

just like how senior citizens should have to take a drivers test ever year

[Krickits Stoned]

Once again my apologies to you nice police officers.

I am a loser and my mommy does not know I am playing with her computer