What Is Physical Fitness?
Physical fitness is a health status pertaining to the individual officer having the physiological readiness to perform maximum physical effort when required.
Physical fitness consists of three areas:
Aerobic capacity or cardiovascular endurance pertaining to the heart and vascular system's capacity to transport oxygen. It is also a key area for heart disease in that low aerobic capacity is a risk factor.
Strength pertains to the ability of muscles to generate force. Upper body strength and abdominal strength are important areas in that the low strength levels have a bearing on upper torso and lower back disorders.
Flexibility pertains to the range of motion of the joints and muscles. Lack of lower back flexibility is a major risk area for lower back disorders.
Why Is Fitness Important as a Job-Related Element
for Law Enforcement Officers?
It has been well documented that law enforcement personnel (as an occupational class) have serious health risk problems in terms of cardiovascular disease, lower back disorders, and obesity. Law enforcement agencies have the responsibility of minimizing known risk.
Physical fitness is a health domain which can minimize the "known" health risks for law enforcement officers. Physical fitness has been demonstrated to be a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). Job analysis that account for physical fitness have demonstrated that fitness areas are underlying factors determining the physiological readiness to perform a variety of critical physical tasks. These three fitness areas have also been shown to be predicative of job performance ratings, sick time, and number of commendations of police officers.
Data also shows that the fitness level is predicative of trainability and academy performance.
Physical fitness can be an important area for minimizing liability. The unfit officer is less able to respond fully to strenuous physical activity. Consequently, the risk of not performing physical duties is increased.
How Will Physical Fitness Be Measured?
The POWER test consists of four basic tests. Each test is a scientifically valid test. It is recommended that five minutes of static stretching, using techniques approved by the Board, be completed prior to each test. A five minute rest is recommended between each test with a fifteen minute rest before the 1.5 mile run. The tests will be given in the following sequence with a rest period between each test.
1. Sit and Reach Test
This is a measure of the flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving range of motion and is also important in minimizing lower back problems. The test involves stretching out to touch the toes or beyond with extended arms from the sitting position. The score is in the inches reached on a yard stick.
2. 1 Minute Sit-Up Test
This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is also an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is in the number of bent leg sit-ups performed in one minute.
3. 1 Repetition Maximum Bench Press
This is a maximum weight pushed from the bench press position and measures the amount of force the upper body can generate. It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength. The score is a ratio of weight pushed divided by body weight.
4. 1.5 Mile Run
This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system's capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds.