The Importance of Physical Fitness: Physical Fitness Standards and Fitness Program Implementation

Due to the nature of law enforcement work, a large majority of an officer\u27s time on the job is spent doing sedentary tasks. As a consequence, personnel develop a sedentary lifestyle which minimizes physical readiness and maximizes health risks. This paper examines the relationship existing between the over-all fitness level of a law enforcement agency and costs associated with absenteeism, major illnesses and civil liability, and suggests the need for a fitness program to be implemented at the Midland Police Department