Introduction: “10 Importance of Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement Officers” The importance of physical fitness in law enforcement is a topic that has come under much discussion in recent times. The student will gain insight as to why police officers are required to be in good physical condition, and how their training differs from that of other law enforcement personnel.
Introduction to Law Enforcement: The training received by police officers is very intense in both combatant and non-combatant roles. They are required to have been in excellent health at all times in order to perform. Police fitness programs will keep their body energized and working at optimum levels. An individual who is not fit will tire easily, while a police officer can fall ill without proper exercise. The benefits of fitness for police officers include lower stress levels, higher stamina, and a better immune system.
Pre-PDT (Prospective) The Pre-PDT test is conducted to determine if an individual is physically ready for the rigors of being a police officer. The program lasts about two hours and is typically given by some schools in exchange for an application. Students may not know when the exam will be taken. The application often requires sitting a certain number of exams in order to be eligible for the testing. It is important for prospective students to get the most out of this test. There will likely be more physical fitness involved in a few years of law enforcement than in the short time it takes to earn a diploma.
PDT-SAPS The PPT-SAPS test is the physical aptitude portion of the PPT. Students will study for this test under the supervision of a faculty member. The student will need to sit the exam at a certain time, and will have up to three hours to complete the study. There will likely be more physical fitness involved here than in the pre-PDT program. This program is usually given by the police academy during the second year of training, and many of the students who take this test are able to move up through the ranks of the force. They often continue on with their careers after passing this certification test.
Police officers are required to get a minimum of 200 transferable hours of training from federally recognized boards of education. This training will prepare the officers to be physically able to handle the various tasks they are required to perform by law. By taking a PPT-SAPS test, potential officers can show their capability to physically be of assistance to their fellow officers in emergency situations and can receive their law enforcement certificate.
Police officers can also participate in a Fitness for Life program. This program is designed to give students a thorough overview of fitness routines that are required of police officers. The fitness routines include aerobic exercise and strength training. Because the fitness routine will include cardiovascular and strength training, students can be sure they are getting a balanced workout.
Physical fitness is also important for police officers because they may end up in dangerous or violent situations. It is not uncommon for police officers to be placed in physically stressful positions. For example, an officer has to make a split-second decision to assist a friend who is being beaten by a mugger. A police officer must have the knowledge and tools necessary to survive such a difficult situation. And if an officer is not strong enough to physically arrest a dangerous criminal, he or she must have the skills to calm the situation down before any damage is done. Having a good work-out routine and maintaining a healthy diet are essential to keeping the body strong and capable of responding to dangerous physical situations.
The bottom line is that police officer do need to be physically fit in order to effectively perform their job. Most police officers get on better physically in the course of their career than others. However, many police officers find that continuing to exercise helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle and helps them develop competitive fitness. When police officers place themselves ahead of the competition by staying in shape, they show their ability to get the job done faster and more efficiently. And it shows the community that police officers are committed to doing their jobs well.
