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

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