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Health Services in the Ottawa Police Force

NCJ Number
82951
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (1981) Pages: 211-222
Author(s)
W J Westwick; T E Welsh
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article describes the health care and health services requirements for members of the Ottawa Police Force, with attention to medical confidentiality, recruitment standards, and medical leave policy.
Abstract
The Ottawa Police Force, which serves a population of 302,000 people, is comprised of 590 officers, 138 civilians, and 54 parking control officers. The force medical officer, a community-based family physician appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Police, and retained on a parttime basis, oversees all medical matters dealing with the force from recruitment to retirement. Recruitment standards require that the minimum height requirement for male and female applicants be 5'10' and 5'4', respectively. Uncorrected vision must not be less than 20/30 in both eyes. All potential candidates must file a preplacement medical examination which includes family history, medical history, and a full functional inquiry. In addition, each candidate must undergo a series of psychological tests and physiological stress testing. Members of the tactical and underwater squads must pass additional tests which focus on motor performance capabilities. All force members are entitled to 1.5 days of sick leave each month. Pregnancy leave may be authorized for a maximum of 40 weeks. Routine physical fitness programs are not part of service training except for members of the tactical team. The article includes four tables and three references.