Chicago Police Department Supt. Jody Weis is a wellness, fitness and exercise advocate for his members.

“It is essential that recruits begin the academy with a minimum level of physical fitness to ensure safe and successful participation in training,” according to a statement of the Chicago Police Department released Friday, March 13, 2009.

Under the State of Illinois POWER test (Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report), a man in his 20’s must do a minimum of 37 sit-ups in a minute and run 1.5 miles in 13:46. A woman in her 20’s is required to do 31 sit-ups and run the same distance in 16:21. The test also includes a bench press and a sit-and-reach (flexibility) evaluation.

Several recruits typically fail in each class. New recruits are given the option of resigning or getting in shape for the next class. The POWER test is videotaped for legal documentation.

The City of Chicago is pushing for mandatory fitness tests for veteran officers. Failing officers would be assigned a trainer and be recommended special diets. Details and resolution are part of ongoing contract negotiations with the police union.

Currently, veteran officers may volunteer to take the POWER test and get a $250 award if they pass. There’s no remedial action if they flunk.

Be prepared. Here’s what many Chicago Police department officers were inclined to remember with the potential for riots near Chicago Grant Park — the location of Barack Obama’s president-elect victory rally.

The Chicago Police administration gives out the do’s and don’ts for election day. Something about no cargo pants … only thin 80/20 uniform pants.  NO cargo pants means less pockets to store survival gear, and obviously less comfortable and less durable for the nights festivities.  Officers complain that administrators are more concerned with appearance — mandating a tie instead of an open collar or dickie. That gives offenders the chance to use the neck tie to choke me an officer. Regarding the shiny hats that will be easily lost including the shield. A poster on a blog says the hat and shield will make a great souvenir for a rioter and grounds for a 3-day suspension for losing the shield from Jody (Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis). Regarding the shiny shoes dress shoes worn in the academy? The shoes might look great for the media, adds the blogger, but will serve no purpose in a fight, foot chase or when standing for 15 hours during shift and extra duty.

A collection of tips from the author and commenters …
For mobile patrol, flip the child safety locks on rear doors and don’t forget to test them.

When deploying OC, gauge the wind. Also, remember that the wind is affected by nearby structures and will swirl, even double back on itself. Be sure of your environment.

If the Gas Teams come by, get the hell out of Dodge. Their purpose was to hose down a crowd and get them moving. Chances are the crowd is moving toward you and chances are they’re pissed. An orderly tactical withdrawal isn’t a bad idea.

KNOW YOUR LOCATION AT ALL TIMES

Use ziptie’s and if you never used them make sure you figure out how.

Bring your glasses in case you get maced.

Carry snacks (preferably high protein sports nutrition/meal replacement bars) and water.

Carry extra radio batteries.

Stay with the PO who has the radio at all times.

Ladies: tie up that hair.

Guys: wear cups.

Make sure your pocket knives are not easily accessible to others.

Carry a fully charged cell phone b/c that will be your radio.

Wear clear plastic “wrap around” safety glasses. The places that sell high end sunglasses have the ones with ballistic protection.

THE MOST IMPORTANT … MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER STAY SAFE, AND GO HOME SAFE!

SOURCE:
SECOND CITY COP Riot Prep

The FAA-acceptable level blood pressure level is 155/95 or below for medical certification. Levels consistently above 140/90 should also be of concern.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

FAA Disqualifying Medical Conditions
The following conditions are listed in the regulations as disqualifying medical conditions; however, in many cases when the condition is adequately controlled, the FAA will issue medical certification contingent on periodic reports.

Other conditions not specifically listed in the regulations are also disqualifying. For further information refer to the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.

Coronary Artery Disease

Including heart attack, bypass surgery, stent placement, and angioplasty

The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that run along the outside of the heart and provide the heart muscle with it’s own blood supply. The term “coronary artery disease (CAD)” means the development of areas of narrowing in the coronary arteries, usually due to cholesterol deposits. Commonly, the first indication that an individual has developed CAD is the presence of chest pain (angina pectoris), usually with exertion. We believe now that most heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) are the result of a blood clot that forms in one of these narrowed areas and suddenly stops the flow of blood through the artery.

There are several different treatments available now for these conditions. These include medication, bypass surgery, angioplasty (the “balloon” procedure), stent implantation, and atherectomy. One thing that all these individuals have in common is the need for risk factor modification. This includes things like smoking cessation, weight control, regular exercise, and cholesterol control.

The Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 67) identify significant CAD, angina pectoris, and a history of myocardial infarction as disqualifying medical conditions. Part 67.401 states that, in order to obtain a special medical certificate, any applicant with one or more of these conditions must prove “to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of medical certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety.” What this really means is that if you have one of these conditions, then there is extra testing that you must do to show that you are still safe to operate aircraft. The following paragraphs outline what is needed.

Before certification can be considered, a six-month recovery period must elapse. If the applicant has had a heart attack, then this allows time for the heart to adequately heal. If the individual has undergone a procedure, the most likely time that a restenosis (renarrowing) will occur is during the first six months. After this time, complications are much less likely.

The following is required for Class III (recreational and private pilot duty) applicants:

1. Hospital admission summary (history and physical), coronary catheterization report, operative report and discharge summary regarding your infarction, angina, bypass surgery or angioplasty.

2. A current cardiovascular evaluation. This evaluation must include an assessment of personal and family medical history, a clinical cardiac examination and general physical examination, an assessment and statement regarding the applicant’s medications, functional capacity, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, motivation for any necessary change and prognosis for incapacitation during the certification period; and a current report of fasting blood sugar and a blood lipid profile to include: total cholesteraol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
3. A maximal ECG treadmill stress test must be performed no sooner than 6-months post event. All stress testing should achieve 100 percent of maximal predicted heart rate unless medically contraindicated or prevented either by symptoms, conditioning, or concurrent use of medication; such as, B-blockers, calcium channel blockers (spec. diltiazem and verapamil), and/or digitalis preparations. With the consent of the attending physician, these medications should be discontinued for at least 48 hours prior to testing in order to attain maximal stress.

[The blood pressure/pulse recordings at various stages and actual electrocardiographic tracings must be submitted. Tracings must include a rhythm strip and a full 12-lead ECG recorded at rest (supine and standing) and during hyperventilation while standing, as well as one or more times during each stage of exercise, at the end of each stage, at peak exercise, and every minute during recovery for at least 5-minutes or until the tracings return to baseline level. The worksheet and interpretive report must be submitted.]

The following is required for Class I and Class II applicants:

1. First- and second-class certificates may be issued only by AAM-300 and only upon the recommendation of one or more of the Federal Air Surgeon’s consultants, providing the requirements of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 from above (for class III) are met. Six-month post event coronary angiography is required, and dynamic radionuclide myocardial perfusion must reveal no evidence of ischemia or significant myocardial dysfunction.

2. Consideration for the issuance of a functionally limited second-class certificate (e.g., “Not Valid for Carrying Passengers or Cargo for Compensation or Hire”, etc.) is reserved for AAM-300. Requests for consideration must be accompanied by a completed Operational Questionnaire (FAA Form 8500-20).

See also:
faa.gov/pilots/medical

flightsafety.org

Related Google Searches:
pilot certification blood pressure

In most countries, candidates for the police force must have completed some formal education. Increasing numbers of people are joining the police force who possess tertiary education and in response to this many police forces have developed a “fast-track” scheme whereby those with university degrees spend 2-3 years as a police constable before receiving promotion to higher ranks, such as sergeants, inspectors etc. (Officers who work within investigative divisions or plainclothes are not necessarily a higher rank but merely do a slightly different job.) Police officers are also recruited from those with experience in the military or security services. Most law enforcement agencies now have measurable physical fitness requirements for officers. In the United States state laws may codify state-wide qualification standards regarding age, education, criminal record, and training but in other places requirements are set by local police agencies.

Police agencies are usually semi-military in organization, so that with specified experience or training qualifications officers become eligible for promotion to a higher supervisory rank, such as sergeant. Promotion is not automatic and usually requires the candidate to pass some kind of examination, interview board or other selection procedure. Although promotion normally includes an increase in salary, it also brings with it an increase in responsibility and for most, an increase in administrative paperwork. Unlike military service, it is not unusual for police officers to remain or choose to remain at lower levels, never getting promoted. There is no stigma attached to this – experienced line patrol officers are highly regarded.

After completing a certain period of service, officers may also apply for specialist positions, such as detective, police dog handler, mounted police officer, motorcycle officer, water police officer, or firearms officer (in forces which are not routinely armed).

Dangers and rewards of being a police officer
Due to the unpredictable nature of law enforcement, police officers have the potential to encounter many dangerous situations in the course of their career. Dangers faced by officers include death, increased risk of infectious diseases, increased risk of physical injury, and the potential for emotional disorder due to both the high stress and inherently adversarial nature of police work. These dangers are encountered in many different situations e.g. the investigation, pursuit, and apprehension of criminals, motor vehicle stops, crimes, response to terrorism, intervention in domestic disputes, investigating traffic accidents, and directing traffic. The constant risk, uncertainty and tension inherent in law enforcement and the exposure to vast amounts of human suffering and violence can lead susceptible individuals to anxiety, depression, and alcoholism.

Individuals are drawn to police work for many reasons. Among these often include a desire to protect the public and social order from criminals and danger; a desire to hold a position of respect and authority; a disdain for or antipathy towards criminals and rule breakers; the professional challenges of the work; the employment benefits that are provided with civil service jobs in many countries; the sense of camaraderie that often holds among police; or a family tradition of police work or civil service. An important task of the recruitment activity of police agencies in many countries is screening potential candidates to determine the fitness of their character and personality for the work, often through background investigations and consultation with a psychologist. Even though police work is very dangerous, police officers are still needed by everyone to “protect and serve”. As a result, police officers are generally held in high regard by the population they serve. This can vary from country to country however, depending on past experiences with the police or general national perception.

Line of duty deaths
Line of duty deaths occur while an officer is on a duty shift or special detail at work. Despite the increased risk of being a victim of a homicide, automobile accidents are the most common cause of officer deaths. Officers are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents because of their large amount of time spent conducting vehicle patrols, as well as their work outside their vehicles alongside or on the roadway, or in dangerous pursuits. Officers killed by suspects make up a smaller proportion of deaths. In the U.S. in 2005, 159 line of duty deaths were recorded of which 44% were from assaults on officers, 35% vehicle related (only 3% during vehicular pursuits) and the rest from other causes: heart attacks during arrests/foot pursuits, diseases contracted from suspects, accidental gun discharges, falls, and drownings.

Deaths in recent years:
2007 | 2006 (147) | 2005 (159) | 2004 (162) | 2003 (147)

Personal Equipment
A typical police officer, dependent on duties may carry various equipment on their duty belt, to assist them in performing their duties. The equipment carried typically includes some or all of the following:

CLICK HERE to VIEW/REFRESH list below …

Illinois State Police Fitness Test — “Physical Fitness Requirement”
Four-Item Physical Fitness Requirement For Officer Applicants
Practical exercise performance requirements are physical activities related to law enforcement tasks. The following practical exercise performance requirements have been identified and must be satisfactorily performed for successful completion of the Merit Board’s Physical Fitness requirement.
As with any new physical regimen, please consult your physician before beginning.
1. Sit and reach Test*
This is a measure of the flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve range of motion and is important in minimizing lower back problems.The score is the distance, in inches, reached ona yard stick.
2. One Minute Sit-up Test
This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force. It is also important for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is the number of correct sit-ups completed in one minute.
3. One Repetition Maximum Bench Press
This is the maximum weight pushed from the bench press position, measuring the amount of upper body force that can be generated. It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength. The test will be conducted on a Universal DVR-Chest Press. The score is a ratio of weight pushed divided by body weight.
4. 1.5 Mile Run
This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular systems’ capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds.

How to Prepare for the Physical Fitness Test

1.  Preparing for the sit and reach test
Performing sitting type of stretching exercises daily will increase this area. Sit And Reach. Sit on the floor with legs straight. Slowly bend forward at the waist and extend fingertips toward the toes (keep legs straight). Hold for 10 second. Repeat 5 times. Towel Stretch. Sit on the floor with legs straight. Wrap a towel around feet, holding each end of the towel with one hand. Lean forward and pull gently on the towel, extending the torso toward toes. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

2.  Preparing for the sit-up test
Do as many bent leg sit-ups (hands behind the head) as possible in one minute. This is the set number. Do 3 sets at a time, at least 3 times a week.

3.  Preparing for the 1 repetition maximum bench press
If weights are available, determine the maximum weight that can be bench pressed at one time. Calculate 60% of that weight to determine training weight. A set is 8 – 10 repetitions of that weight.Do 3 sets weekly, adding 2 ½ to 5 pounds every week. If weights are not available, push-up exercises can be utilized. Determine how many push-ups can be done in one minute. This is the set number.Do 3 sets at a time, at least 3 times a week.

4.  Preparing for the 1.5 mile run
Below is a gradual schedule that will enable a maximum effort for the 1.5 mile run. If possible, advance the schedule on a weekly basis, proceeding to the next level. If the distance can be covered in less time, that should be encouraged.

Illinois State Police Merit Board Physical Fitness Standards

Source: Illinois State Police — isp.state.il.us

A wide variety of tests are available to determine the physical ability of the human body and the likelihood of success or failure in work or sports human performance. Well-defined tests can be used to eliminate unsafe conditions, as in the case of medical fitness for airline or military pilots, real-time DUI tests for drivers or drug testing that looks for a history of substance abuse. Tests can be used to determine health status or detect disease and tests can be used to evaluate progress of treatment, rehabilitation, physical conditioning and sports-specific training.  Many tests are designed to find the best candidates for a team or workforce. Subjects may be tested serially, one at a time with appointments or in groups (in parallel), as in testing for sports teams, such as baseball showcases or the NFL Combine.

Tests may target a complex human performance, a standardized fitness-related performance, a particular organ’s function (heart, lung, thyroid, brain, kidney) or the presence or level of a single mineral, nutritional substance, hormone, drug or other chemical status. Tests may also determine the speed of a complex human performance, the speed of a simple task, the rate of organ performance, or the rate of a chemical or nutritional process.

Test results can produce an objective numerical value or reference range that usually can classify the result as pass/fail, normal or abnormal or in other cases below average, average, above average and excellent.

Subjective tests can use observation and evaluate holistic properties, such as structural integrity, coordination, individual awareness, team awareness, personality, attitude, creativity, adaptability and other complex actions during testing and performance.

Testing can have legal ramifications when subjects challenge the safety of the test, the validity of the test, the fairness of the test and the objectivity or lack of bias (e.g., racial, sexual) in the test.

UNDER REVIEW AND EDITING: VALUES NOT CONFIRMED
A reference range is a set of values used by a health professional to interpret a set of medical test results. The range is usually defined as the set of values 95% of the normal population falls within.

The reference range will vary, depending on the age, sex and race of a population, and even the instruments the laboratory uses to perform the tests. Furthermore, by definition, 5% of the normal population will fall outside the reference range.

UNDER REVIEW AND EDITING: VALUES NOT CONFIRMED
A reference range is a set of values used by a health professional to interpret a set of medical test results. The range is usually defined as the set of values 95% of the normal population falls within.

The reference range will vary, depending on the age, sex and race of a population, and even the instruments the laboratory uses to perform the tests. Furthermore, by definition, 5% of the normal population will fall outside the reference range.

UNDER REVIEW AND EDITING: VALUES NOT CONFIRMED
A reference range is a set of values used by a health professional to interpret a set of medical test results. The range is usually defined as the set of values 95% of the normal population falls within.

The reference range will vary, depending on the age, sex and race of a population, and even the instruments the laboratory uses to perform the tests. Furthermore, by definition, 5% of the normal population will fall outside the reference range.

• Items marked with a ** are part of “CHEM-7″ and CHEM-20
• Items marked with a * are part of “CHEM-20″, but not CHEM-7

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• Not listed: ** chloride, ** carbon dioxide, * uric acid,

A FITNESS TEST for firefighters with weight 20kg backpack for Australia’s Department of Sustainable Environment firefighters, has been slammed as too harsh.

But a Herald Sun experiment has shown the test can almost be passed by a young mom and a man in his 50s whose main exercise is watching golf on TV. A student under 18 also managed to complete the task with no training.

The Australian Workers Union has banned the fitness tests for permanent DSE firefighters, but not for hundreds of fire season summer crew contractors, who still have to pass the fitness test.

To pass the test a DSE firefighter must cover 4.8km around an oval track in 42 minutes carrying a 20kg backpack.

AWU state secretary Cesar Melhem said the fitness tests were actually causing DSE firefighter injuries with a disproportionate amount of soft tissue injuries; especially to the shoulders, ankles and knees; with a number of WorkCover claims resulting.

Of course, there is no mention if the Herald Sun article followed their successful non-firefighter test subjects to see if they developed soft tissue injuries during subsequent weeks.

See more from the Herald Sun Article
Firefighters Refuse 20 kg Backpack Drill