First, I don't mean any disrespect to anyone.
With that said, I do think that public image in the uniform is important. I have had civilians come up to me on numerous occasions asking why there is obviously no "physical fitness requirements to stay in law enforcement"?
That is a hard question to answer, because most people know to get into LE, and make it through most academies, you need to be in some kind of shape. The common question is why doesn't this continue? If the public see this, then administrators must see it also. Right?
Yes and no. The problem with making department wide fitness requirements is no one can be exempt. That means, big boy sitting at the top as to comply. Not a big deal, but what if he doesn't? What if the patrol guy doesn't? Are you going to let someone use a medical exemption for a "fitness" requirement? If they can't maintain a basic amount of fitness, can they do the job? Sounds like someone might get sued.
The truth is, Americans are overweight, so cops are overweight. The choice has to be the officers, you have to do it yourself.
KNOW THIS; THE PUBLIC SEES IT, THEY RESPOND TO IT, IT EFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO DO YOUR JOB! IT TAKES AWAY YOUR COMMAND PRESENCE IT PUTS YOUR SAFETY AT RISK!
While I'm on the soap box: If your a "big boy" and think that extra 150 lbs your carrying around makes you a badass and intimidates the bad guy, your wrong! If your out of breath after you walk up a flight of stairs or up to a violator's vehicle, then you have displayed how weak you are. You have left yourself open to resistance, whether it be verbal, mental or physical.
Get in shape!
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