Test shows some police officers unfit for duty
Results of a fitness test instituted by Colorado Springs Police Department shows some of its force does not meet physical fitness standards for the job.
This is the first year Police Chief Pete Carey mandated physical abilities tests for all sworn officers. Of the 628 officers, 25 did not pass the test.
The test includes push-ups, sit-ups and an agility run. Three officers in their 30’s did not pass. The majority of those who failed are in their 40’s and 50’s.
Officers that failed have been placed on “light duty.” They are not allowed to run after or take down a suspect. The officers on light duty still receive the same wages.
At Pikes Peak Community College, cadets take fitness classes as part of theirPikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Academy.
Their instructor, CathyLaBrecque has spent years in law enforcement and said physical fitness is essential.
“A lot of criminals are young and so they are in their teens and twenties. And also, if they have been in the Department of Corrections or that kind of thing, they have a lot of time to work out,” said LaBrecque.
But LaBrecque said it’s not just about taking down the bad guys.
“Law enforcement continue to die from heart attacks and stress related disease because they are sedentary,” said LaBrecque. “Basically if it’s an eight-hour shift, it’s about two seconds of high intensity and seven and a half hours of sitting in a car so you have to maintain a level in order to have your body prepared for an adrenaline rush when you need it.”
The cadets’ trainer said she thinks about the public’s safety as she runs them through drills.
“I always feel like a law enforcement person should be in great shape because they are the ones out there on the line taking care of myself and my children,” said Kristi Johnson.
The program’s cadets said they think about their future in law enforcement while they are running laps.
“There is an old saying out there that the bad guys always stay in shape so if you’re out there by yourself, it’s a matter of life and death,” said cadet Ronald Hutchinson.
“[It] could mean that I am not going home to my family. [It] could mean I kiss my daughter the last time in the morning, or say goodbye to my wife for the last time in the morning,” said cadet Michael Lee.
CSPD officers who failed must re-test every 30 days and show signs of improvement. Nine officers that initially failed have re-taken the test and passed.
Carey declined KRDO NewsChannel 13’s request for the interview. He said he will discuss the test as soon as more of his officers pass.
