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Abstract

This research addresses the inherent stressors within police work and the health and wellness problems prevalent among law enforcement officers. Police officers are at a higher risk of many of the health concerns currently plaguing the population of the already unhealthy United States. Of particular note is that back injury and pain stands out as potentially the most prevalent among the health issues experienced by law enforcement personnel. Worsening this fact is the recent trend of law enforcement administrators shying away from the issue of the unhealthy employees of law enforcement agencies. The solution of implementing widespread voluntary physical fitness testing accompanied with the offering of monetary rewards is presented in an effort to increase awareness of physical fitness and elicit a healthier lifestyle among officers. A major concern is the fact that standards exist in other aspects of policing but not health and wellness.

The differences between mandatory and optional physical fitness standards are covered while highlighting the superiority of optional fitness standards. The successes and failures of departments that have previously adopted optional physical fitness programs are also covered at length. Overall potential benefits of the implementation of the fitness standards for both individual officers and departments are discussed in detail. These benefits range from living a healthier lifestyle to financial advantages for departments which choose to adopt the standards. Instructions and guidelines are suggested for the implementation by departments.

Alternative measures other than monetary rewards are submitted for departments to adopt that are on a strict budget. Finally, concerns are appropriately addressed before concluding.

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