Should jobs like police officer have fitness levels?

[malg]

Yes.

 

[bert38]

I understand that, but why were the height requirements lowered, and how on earth can the gut buckets we've all seen pass this test?

I don't see many 'gut buckets' and because the job has changed-we aren't 'bouncers' you need a range of skills-mental, physical, emotional-the ability to think for yourself, work as a team, often under extreme pressure-being physically big isn't the most important quality-otherwise you'd miss out on some brilliant officers.

 

[Ancient Citizen]

I don't see many 'gut buckets' and because the job has changed-we aren't 'bouncers' you need a range of skills-mental, physical, emotional-the ability to think for yourself, work as a team, often under extreme pressure-being physically big isn't the most important quality-otherwise you'd miss out on some brilliant officers.

I have seen plenty of small, fat coppers, both male and female, so I'm surprised you
haven't. If a group of thugs are kicking off, do the police
filter out the police in this category and send in the fitter, bigger blokes?
I understand your points, but I presumed the police were subjected to a similarly rigorous fitness capability as the army.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Police officers taking a break and eating? Whatever next.

Of course that's fine,but finding an alternative would be far better for their health and physique.

It should be a requirement(as well as personal pride) to be fitter than the average member of public,thats just basic common sense and something every officer should want to achieve for their own sake as much as what they owe in terms of responsibility.

Ultimately,the Govt need to start valuing the occupation again as only then will the quality of recruit be attracted to the role and the country gets the calibre of officer they deserve and need.

 

[oldtimerdiscopants]

I have seen plenty of small, fat coppers, both male and female, so I'm surprised you
haven't. If a group of thugs are kicking off, do the police
filter out the police in this category and send in the fitter, bigger blokes?
I understand your points, but I presumed the police were subjected to a similarly rigorous fitness capability as the army.

The standard of policing has most definitely dropped in as much the public seem to have lost a lot of respect for them and it's not hard to see why. I can't say that we should go back to the getting a good kicking in the back of a black maria but they're all running round wearing rainbow flags and complaining about stress levels in the plod canteen ;)

 

[Trojan1962]

I don't see many 'gut buckets' and because the job has changed-we aren't 'bouncers' you need a range of skills-mental, physical, emotional-the ability to think for yourself, work as a team, often under extreme pressure-being physically big isn't the most important quality-otherwise you'd miss out on some brilliant officers.

Being physically big plays a big part when dealing with the public in an emergency situation. Looking the part is important. I accept not all roles in the police need that presence but when you start out that is what you will be dealing with.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

There is an annual fitness test; which is a bleep test.
All officers have to do this.

You only have to get to level 5.4 so as long as you keep fit, it’s no drama.

Specialised roles have higher levels to achieve i.e. firearms officers have to reach almost double I think

Level 5.4 is a joke. Barely breaking a sweat.

Running shuttles between 2 lines, 15 meters apart following a series of beeps.

L1 = 7 shuttles (@7 sec)
L2 = 8 shuttles (@7 sec)
L3 = 8 shuttles (@6 sec)
L4 = 8 shuttles (@6 sec)
L5 = 4 shuttles (@6 sec)

A total of 525 meters (35 shuttles), in 3:35.

 

[oldtimerdiscopants]

A total of 525 meters (35 shuttles), in 3:35.

Sounds like a pretend fitness test designed for lip service.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Sounds like a pretend fitness test designed for lip service.

It really is a minimum standard of fitness, and any relatively healthy person should be able to pass it without a drama.

 

[oldtimerdiscopants]

It really is a minimum standard of fitness, and any relatively healthy person should be able to pass it without a drama.

It'd be like the time the copper from the time he gets out of the car door to the ASDA butty counter and back.