http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...u=/ap/20031230/ap_on_he_me/healthier_police_2 CHICAGO - The Chicago Police Department has offered a $250 bonus to motivate its officers to stay in shape, but so far the majority of them haven't budged. For the second year in a row, the department's 13,500 officers were eligible for money if they volunteered for a physical fitness test. About 2,750 officers took the test this year, with 2,541 passing, officials said. "I think certainly it gives us a more positive image," said Sgt. Jackie Campbell, the program's coordinator. "The pass rate that we've got in front of us shows we're in good shape." The test itself is not new. In past years, the city has rewarded officers with a pin, an incentive that few found compelling. Only about 350 a year bothered to take the test then. So last year, the department introduced the $250 bonus to sweeten the deal and saw the number of officers who took the test jump to about 2,600. To get the money, officers must run 1 1/2 miles, bench press most of their body weight, do sit-ups and demonstrate their flexibility. Performance standards are based on age and gender. Officer Regina Brown trained for four months to prove to herself that she could pass. The 61-year-old said it's not an easy test. "If you set your sights hard enough, no matter what age, no matter what you have to do, you can reach the goal," she said. I'm sorry, but this is just sad that an incentive has to be offered for cops to prove that they are in shape. I've seen more than my fair share of fat cops, and it's scary to think that people that are trusted to protect us are lardasses that couldn't chase a criminal on foot for more than 50 feet without. I know that 92% of the cops that took the test passed it, but I have a feeling that the majority of the 10,000 that didn't take it know that they wouldn't pass in the first place. If anything, cops should be required to take mandatory physical fitness exams, including a Body Mass Index test. Get in shape, or get a job WORKING at the donut shop instead of just eating there... Out of the cops you see on a daily basis, how many would you consider out of shape?
Agree, A-Train. I watch COPS every night, so I know! Seriously, some of those guys are morbidly obese. Something needs to be done.
I couldn't resist: Bad boys, bad boys, whadya gonna do.... whadya gonna do when the fat boys come for you..... I think it is a disgrace that they need an inducement to stay in shape. In the good ole USMC, if you fail the PFT, your sorry ass is kicked out. If you can't qualify with your rifle (and pistol, E-6 and above) you are gone too.
