The Police are drawn from society and are a reflection of that society. Society has become obese therefore the levels of obesity in the police will reflect that. Annual Physical tests and medicals are the only way forward particularly for specialist units and front line officers.

The Police are drawn from society and are a reflection of that society. Society has become obese therefore the levels of obesity in the police will reflect that. Annual Physical tests and medicals are the only way forward particularly for specialist units and front line officers.

Annual fitness tests have been in place for 6 years. Of course forces need to move towards a situation where training time is built in to shifts in the same way as the military and colleagues in other countries.

Bottom line is that the annual fitness test is quite basic and not necessarily one which reflects the overall fitness of an individual. The job used to encourage and facilitate sport and fitness in its officer's. Sadly long gone now. Facilities in-house at those stations that haven't been sold off have become as rare as unicorn 'droppings' Shift patterns, extractions for aid, the basic time taken to get to/from work for a shift etc... make it very difficult for officers to train regularly. Still, an in-house E mail can always be spun by our illustrious media outlets.

Failing the bleep test should be more of a fear for officers there should be stricter consequences. Also police stations should provide more heathy food options not just chocolate and crisps in vending machines. Yes I know the shifts don’t help I suffered myself and I was no advert for a healthy life style at all believe me but I never failed a physical even though I was a heavy lad.

Seriously, are we really giving time to this non sanicle article. Nothing else to be considered today?