Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement

Hi again,

Whether your law enforcement, executive protection or in another related profession... fitness is not an option! You are responsible for protecting yourself and your partner(s). Take this seriously if you're not already.

Here's an article that was sent to me a while ago. I hope you gain something from it.

Brian K. Allen
http://www.SpecialOperationsCourse.com

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There are six components of physical fitness:

 Cardiovascular endurance: is the ability to take in and deliver oxygen to the working muscles to produce energy to sustain activity. Cardiovascular endurance is necessary in approximately 11% of foot pursuits and over 50% of use of force encounters.

 Anaerobic power: the ability to make short, intense bursts of maximal effort, underlies the ability to run short distances and up stairs.

 Muscular strength refers to the muscles’ ability to generate maximal force; it is necessary for performance in control and restraint situations.

 Muscular endurance refers to the muscles’ ability to sustain sub-maximal force, which is necessary for lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.

 Flexibility, the ability to use the available range of motion at a given joint or structure, is challenged in common tasks such as bending over as well as much less frequent ones, for instance a foot pursuit.

 Body composition, the ratio of fat to lean tissue, is associated with physical performance as well as health.

Health is commonly considered by many to be simply an absence of symptoms. However, due to the aging process, symptom-less diseases and the nature of the public safety environment, apparent health may be temporary or non-existent. A more comprehensive definition suggests health is a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Wellness may consequently be defined as those purposeful actions taken to attain and maintain optimal health and fitness.

These definitions indicate fitness, health, and wellness are not synonymous; rather they are integrally related and complimentary. In addition, they provide some goals for the program coordinator to consider when developing a department’s response – that is a program. Further, they conceptualize behavioral and outcome goals for the program participant.

Therefore, a total fitness and wellness program, rather than simply a fitness program or wellness program, is recommended.

The Benefits of a Program

A total fitness and wellness program can produce a host of benefits for its participants and the agency alike. By improving their personal fitness levels, officers will enjoy:

 Improved capability to perform specific physical tasks;
 Improved ability to mobilize the body efficiently;
 Improved tolerance to fatigue;
 Reduced risk during physical tasks;
 Better psychological preparation; and
 Reduced stress and associated health risks.

A Model Program

A public safety total fitness and wellness program helps to ensure that:

 Officers have the requisite fitness to perform their duties;

 Officer’s lifestyle habits will decrease health risks and improve quality of life; and

 Agencies reduce their liability by ensuring officers’ physical readiness to perform while controlling risk and its associated costs.

Program Components

 Trained leadership
 A program fitness coordinator
 Health screening
 Fitness assessment
 Goal setting
 Planning
 Education
 On-going support
 Plan to phase in the program components

It is our strong belief that the savings achieved through efficient implementation of this program will more than justify the comparatively minimal investment of capital and personnel.

Most importantly, the participating law enforcement officers and their families will be spared the consequences of poor health.

[author unknown]

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Brian K. Allen
http://www.SpecialOperationsCourse.com
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