Posts Tagged ‘requirements’

Jul 1016

Fit for Duty: Physical Fitness and Law Enforcement

You cannot swing a cat these days without running into a story about how obesity is a problem in this country.  Whether it’s Michelle Obama’s crusade against childhood obesity or claims from the military that our collective chubbiness is a national security threat, the conundrum of the American muffin top is everywhere.

The same is true for law enforcement.  A recent USAToday article cited the difficulty local departments are having recruiting officers who are fit for duty:

Ronald Smith, chief of the Lawton (Okla.) Police Department, said about 15% of applicants to his department this spring failed an initial agility test, including push-ups, sit-ups and a quarter-mile run. “Used to be nearly 100% passed the agility test,” he said.

Capt. Doug Shoemaker of the Jefferson City (Mo.) Police Department said “a noticeable number of people” failed the physical exam in the two most recent tests. “I don’t know that I have seen this … as much as I have now,” he said.

The need for physical fitness in law enforcement is obvious.  A 2008 article from Police Chief magazine argues the need for institutionalized physical fitness programs for officers, citing both benefits to officers and agencies: 

“Officers stand to profit from an improved ability to perform job functions, reduced stress, and better physical and psychological preparation. Agencies stand to benefit in terms of efficiency as well as fiscally. Officers are less likely to be injured or retire on disability, thus reducing the costs of disability payments and the hiring and training of new employees. […] By implementing an exercise program, agencies also reduce their liability by ensuring that officers are prepared to handle tasks while controlling the possible risks and their associated costs.”

Now, Corpus Christi is offering its officers up to four days off based on their fitness scores.  Chief Riggs hopes to expand the program to civilian employees.

Progressive departments across the globe are taking it one step further, making physical fitness a requirement not just for new recruits but throughout their careers.  As noted in a recent Safety at Work blog post:

  • The Victoria Police Department (AU) now requires officers to pass bi-annual Operational Skills and Tactics Training courses for the rest of their careers.
  • South Africa police officers will be required to maintain the uniform size issued upon academy graduation. 
  • The North Wales Police also requires all operation staff to undertake annual fitness test, the first police force in Britain to do so. -

The take-away for our readers who aspire to a career in law enforcement is this: a certain level of physical fitness is required for police service.  So, forego the donut, opt for the skinny bagel, and GET MOVING.  Most fitness tests involve good old fashion running, sit-ups, and push-ups, so NO gym membership or personal trainer required. 

To get a sense of the fitness requirements of agencies across the country, check out our physical fitness playlist on You Tube. 

What are you doing to get (or stay) fit for duty?

Apr 1015

Are You Ready to Become a Law Enforcement Officer? Part I

By Patrick Oliver, Director of Criminal Justice Program, Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

Are you ready to work in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork and service to your community?

Are you prepared to use innovative strategies to provide solutions to enhance citizen safety? Are you interested helping to prevent, reduce, and solve crime?

Have you taken a moment to examine yourself to determine if you are the best law enforcement applicant you can be? Before you can become a law enforcement officer you will be required to undergo a background investigation. The purpose of a background investigation is to determine your suitability based on character. 

Law enforcement applicants will be placed under exacting scrutiny to determine their suitability for the position of peace officer (law enforcement officer). Many things are taken into consideration when selecting an applicant to become an officer. One of the more important considerations is drug use.

The criminal justice field is firmly committed to a drug free society and workplace. Law enforcement agencies closely scrutinize any prior unlawful drug use by applicants.

To determine whether you may meet the law enforcement agency’s drug polices, please answer the following questions:

  • Have you purchased or used marijuana or any illegal drug within the last year?
  • Do you have any pattern of illegal drug use including marijuana in the past three (3) years?
  • Have you used any illegal drug other than marijuana after your 21st birthday?
  • Have you sold any illegal drug for profit?
  • Have you ever used an illegal drug (no matter how many times or how long ago) while in a law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or in a position which carries with it a high level of responsibility or public trust? 

If you answered YES to any of these questions, obtaining employment as a sworn law enforcement officer will be extremely difficult.  These are immediate disqualifiers for many departments. 

Requirements concerning prior drug use vary from department to department.  Carefully research the exact requirements of your prospective agency, and discuss your concerns with the recruiter BEFORE you apply.  Honestly is the best policy.

Law enforcement organizations are seeking men and women with integrity and a commitment to providing quality service to citizens and keeping neighborhoods safe. If this describes you, then you should continue to pursue your interest in a career in law enforcement.