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Establishing a Manadatory Fitness Program for Law Enforcement Agencies

NCJ Number
148646
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1994) Pages: 17-18,38-40
Author(s)
D Nichols
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development of a physical fitness training program for the campus police at the Jacksonville State University (Alabama).
Abstract
The program development and implementation had six phases. The first phase specified the purpose of the physical fitness training program. It is to provide police personnel with the time, training, and equipment necessary to maintain good health and physical fitness. This is designed to ensure that they are able to execute physical tasks safely and effectively in the performance of routine police duties. The program will also ensure that police personnel maintain, through training and diet, a positive physical appearance that exemplifies a professional image. The second phase involved plans and procedures. A certified fitness instructor was instrumental in developing a policy that was refined and adopted. The physical fitness requirement was incorporated into department job descriptions. The third phase consisted of the development of a complete wellness profile on each officer. An exercise program was adopted in the fourth phase. It consists of aerobic and strength training. In the fifth phase, a physical ability course examination was required twice each year; it consists of climbing, weight drag, balance, pushing, crawling, and running. Officers who fail the test or have difficulty in completing it are given assistance and an opportunity for a second attempt before any disciplinary action is taken. The sixth phase involved the addition of a 1-mile run to physical ability requirements. 2 figures and 10 references