Law Enforcement Officers and Physical Fitness

The stresses that law enforcement officers face each day present a unique challenge to police departments. With all of the challenges facing police officers today, law enforcement officers should be physically fit if for no other reason than it can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. There is nothing anyone can do regarding age and family history, but all other risk factors can be positively influenced by life style changes, including exercise and diet. Being physically fit not only helps a law enforcement officer deal with the physical demands, it also helps with the mental stressors on the job. Stress can take a toll on a law enforcement officer, both mentally and physically. Police agencies have come to understand that physical fitness cannot only save officers lives, it can save the taxpayers money.