View Full Version : Question for LEOs
Jack Moroney (RIP)
09-07-2005, 11:35
Now I hope no LEO takes this the wrong way and I certainly have never been the paragon of a wasp waisted, six-pack toting, broad-shouldered, tall, well tanned, good looking candidate for Chippendales but what I want to know is there any standard set of physical requirements for LEOs in general?
Today was one of those rare days that I leave the forest and go to town. On my way out of the post office I noticed this 350 pound schmoo in blue waddling down the street proceeded by a good 10 seconds by a gut that was hanging over his service police belt. He could have been barefooted and not known it as I am sure he hasn't seen his feet in at least 15 years and probably not much of anything else below his chest. I do not want to seem overly critical, but how in the hell could this clown react to any crisis requiring physical exertion other than blocking anyone elses approach to the dessert table? I just have to believe that there has to be some basic physical requirements, other than being able to provide cover and concealment for the entire force standing behind him, for a LEO.
Jack Moroney-often have witnessed the disappointed look on my NCOs faces as they attempted to reach inside my lapel for a beer when they confused me for a refrigerator on those rare occasions I wore dress whites.
Smokin Joe
09-07-2005, 11:50
Sir,
To answer your question no, most agencies do not have a phyiscal fitness standard. To be hired most agencies require a recruit to pass a certain percentage on the Coopers standard. However, once the acadmey is over few agencies require there officers to maintain that fitness level.
Roguish Lawyer
09-07-2005, 11:57
Sir, I would ask that you show more respect for the law enforcement community. The fine officer you described undoubtedly makes it possible to employ several people at local donut shops, not to mention the truckers who bring in the sugar and the longshoremen who unload it from the boat. And then you have the farmers, the guys at the mill . . . You see my point, I'm sure.
Smokin Joe
09-07-2005, 12:05
Sir, I would ask that you show more respect for the law enforcement community. The fine officer you described undoubtedly makes it possible to employ several people at local donut shops, not to mention the truckers who bring in the sugar and the longshoremen who unload it from the boat. And then you have the farmers, the guys at the mill . . . You see my point, I'm sure.
Don't forget the Attorney's.......Counselor
Without LEO's what would the blood sucking lawyer's who shamelessly defend Drug Addicts, Rapist, Murders, and Pedophiles do for a living. :p
Roguish Lawyer
09-07-2005, 12:13
Don't forget the Attorney's.......Counselor
Without LEO's what would the blood sucking lawyer's who shamelessly defend Drug Addicts, Rapist, Murders, and Pedophiles do for a living. :p
:D
Trip_Wire (RIP)
09-07-2005, 14:31
Sir,
To answer your question no, most agencies do not have a phyiscal fitness standard. To be hired most agencies require a recruit to pass a certain percentage on the Coopers standard. However, once the acadmey is over few agencies require there officers to maintain that fitness level.
This is correct; however, certain units within a department, especially SWAT, Dive and Bomb Disposal units do enforce some requirements on their assigned people.
The bomb disposal people need to be able to operate in the Bomb Disposal suits which are heavy to wear and very hot, especially in hot climates. The other units are pretty self expletory.
:munchin
NousDefionsDoc
09-07-2005, 14:46
You are treading on thin ice Sir...
Sheriff Allegedly Misuses Computer Database to Find Woman that Called him "Fat"
ORLANDO, FL. - Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary has been accused of violating privacy laws when his staff used the state's computer database to locate the driver's license record of a woman who wrote into a newspaper and referred to him as "fat".
Alice Gawronski had written a letter to be published in the Orlando Sentinel regarding the use of tasers as a less than lethal method of force. She said the Sheriff appeared to be overweight and suggested that deputies be more physically fit.
Beary reportedly wrote a letter to Gawronski defending the use of tasers as well as his physical condition. A Sheriff's Department spokesman stated that Beary's use of the database to address public concerns was within the law.
As the leech...lawyers like to say, there has been a precedence established... :D
sharkmanII
09-07-2005, 14:58
Don't ya just wish you could fine the LEO's for "body abuse" just as they would someone for alcohol abuse or some other infraction. First offense... must complete a Pre-Scuba class. Second offense... must complete CDQC. Third offense... you're outta here!! :D
Jack Moroney (RIP)
09-07-2005, 15:13
. First offense... must complete a Pre-Scuba class. :D
Absolutely, and with Jake Jakovenko as the instructor. :D
Jack Moroney (RIP)
09-07-2005, 15:17
Don't forget the Attorney's.......Counselor
Right after I posted the note about the LEO, I had a visit from one of the local relator's in town who sort is my "all seeing eye" so I asked him about this guy. Seems that he is/was also an attorney. Interesting combination of Law and Order all wrapped up in a not so neat package.
Jack Moroney
Jack Moroney (RIP)
09-07-2005, 15:20
[QUOTE=The best example = the Frankfurt, Germany Airport Police.
Those XYs are HOT. And they have the best guns.
FrontSight[/QUOTE]
That was the same observation made by an XX I was traveling with a few years back until the aforementioned member of the Polezi reached down and pulled his trousers loose that had bunched up in his fourth point of contact. That sort of turned her off. :D
NousDefionsDoc
09-07-2005, 15:24
Absolutely, and with Jake Jakovenko as the instructor. :D
Cruel and unusual.....
Goggles Pizano
09-07-2005, 18:05
However, once the acadmey is over few agencies require there officers to maintain that fitness level.
I say much of that depends upon the individuals in the agency and the premium they place on their, and fellow officer's, safety. Our FOP tried to institute mandatory fitness requirements Sir but (you had to see this coming being a union) they determined if the officers serving could not be grandfathered in then it would not hold up in a lawsuit regardless of the time created for affected officers to meet the new requirements (RL do you buy that argument?). Trip Wire called it: If it's not specialized units or motivated officers on their own-blue dirigibles roam the streets.
Roguish Lawyer
09-07-2005, 18:25
Our FOP tried to institute mandatory fitness requirements Sir but (you had to see this coming being a union) they determined if the officers serving could not be grandfathered in then it would not hold up in a lawsuit regardless of the time created for affected officers to meet the new requirements (RL do you buy that argument?).
Not my area. I suspect that the terms of the collective bargaining agreement would be relevant.
Spartan359
09-07-2005, 19:34
Absolutely, and with Jake Jakovenko as the instructor. :D
Mind if I ask what the story is behind this man?
The Reaper
09-07-2005, 20:40
Mind if I ask what the story is behind this man?
Got Google?
165 hits.
TR
Spartan359
09-07-2005, 21:25
Got Google?
165 hits.
TR
Didn't know if he was a public figure. That's why I asked. I just googled him and searched on this site. Sorry for my lack of SA tonight.
CoLawman
09-07-2005, 21:59
[QUOTE=Jack Moroney]Now I hope no LEO takes this the wrong way and I certainly have never been the paragon of a wasp waisted, six-pack toting, broad-shouldered, tall, well tanned, good looking candidate for Chippendales but what I want to know is there any standard set of physical requirements for LEOs in general?
Your complaint is echoed on a regular basis in the squadrooms, lockerrooms, and breakrooms of Police Departments.
We too are embarassed by these individuals. Further we are concerned for our own welfare, let alone their's, based on their poor physical fitness.
I will say that we were beginning to turn the corner in the 80's when law enforcement solicited and subscribed to the works by the Cooper Institute. More agencies began setting PT standards and establishing pre-employment standards.
Enter ADA, Gender Equality, and Police Unions. A compromise was reached and we now live with ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS TESTING. Meaning physical fitness is not measured. A person is only required to meet the minimum standards. What a Joke!
Compounding this evolution was the difficulty in finding suitable candidates to fill an ever increasing need for police officers brought about by growth. The baby boomers are retiring at an unprecedented clip, creating a greater need for candidates. Now to the problem. Not enough willing and qualified candidates applying. We can work short handed or lower the standards..............
Our starting salary is 48,000 a year. No experience required! And we are unable to fill our vacancies. Imagine the difficulties with a place like New Orleans that starts rookie officers at 24,000 a year. How low do they have to lower their standards. Not sure, but recent videos of WalMart might be an indication.
The problem is much bigger than the girth of some officers. Much much bigger.
Now for the good news. Our agency is outfitted with a top of the line Recreation Center. Our department has won the State Police/Fire Team Bench Press Championship 2 of the last 4 years. Yep, I was a member. (Google it you doubters). We have competitive sport teams to include Ice Hockey, Softball, Football, golf, and Basketball. These participants are fit! And they make up the majority or our agency and we are not an exception to the rule.
So have faith Officer Michelin is still a minority in law enforcement, but a very visible one unfortunately.
Now damn the stigma......I'm heading for a donut!
brianksain
09-08-2005, 07:53
You now have fat, out of shape cops for the same reasons that you now have fat out of shape guys named George wearing a Mickey Mouse pin serving your drink on an airplane.
Heaven forbid we hurt someone's feelings by telling them that they just aren't cut out for the job.
mumbleypeg
09-08-2005, 08:41
You are treading on thin ice Sir...
As the leech...lawyers like to say, there has been a precedence established... :D
NDD,
Please,
Don't talk smack about leeches. They suck but don't swim with Lawyers, unless they are hungry! :D
Thank you
www.leechesusa.com
Roguish Lawyer
09-08-2005, 09:54
NDD,
Please,
Don't talk smack about leeches. They suck but don't swim with Lawyers, unless they are hungry! :D
Thank you
www.leechesusa.com
:boohoo
mumbleypeg
09-08-2005, 10:09
Of course I wasn't thinking of you RL. Even Leeches need an attorney from time to time. So, that I won't hijack this thread further than I have, the leeches and I will retreat to the medical area.
STR8SHTR
09-08-2005, 11:31
The NC Highway Patrol has physical requirments to obtain employment. After that the physical requirments are out the door. :mad: They have talked about implementing some sort of physical maintenance requirments after basic patrol school, but I have yet to see anything.
I have a guy who works in my district that is about 5' 6" and weighs 270. Go figure. The doctor just told him that he has high blood pressure and diabetes. HHMM... I wonder if his obesity had anything to do with it? He is planning on having stomach reduction surgery in a couple of months.
The Reaper
09-08-2005, 11:34
The NC Highway Patrol has physical requirments to obtain employment. After that the physical requirments are out the door. :mad: They have talked about implementing some sort of physical maintenance requirments after basic patrol school, but I have yet to see anything.
I have a guy who works in my district that is about 5' 6" and weighs 270. Go figure. The doctor just told him that he has high blood pressure and diabetes. HHMM... I wonder if his obesity had anything to do with it? He is planning on having stomach reduction surgery in a couple of months.
I find that odd.
I have never seen a fat Trooper in NC.
DMV transfer, or a desk guy?
TR
STR8SHTR
09-08-2005, 11:56
No sir TR no transfer. We have our fair share of them unfortunately.
CoLawman
09-08-2005, 13:14
No sir TR no transfer. We have our fair share of them unfortunately.
Don't We ALL!
Peregrino
09-08-2005, 13:25
No sir TR no transfer. We have our fair share of them unfortunately.
I'm with TR - I've never seen a "less than professional" NCST either. And I do remember the outcry when the DOT Enforcement "officers" were integrated. Bad idea - budget woes or not. As small and dispersed as the force is, reputation and public perception are significant force multipliers. Not something politicians and egalitarians are expected to understand. My .02 - Peregrino
STR8SHTR
09-08-2005, 15:14
I had never observed a less than professional one either until I became one 17 years ago.
As small and dispersed as the force is, reputation and public perception are significant force multipliers. Not something politicians and egalitarians are expected to understand. My .02 - Peregrino
There it is. I agree.
Ohio State Troopers maintain a certain bodyfat composition or they are showed the door.