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Police Chief Fitness Memo Garners Pink Slip
Police Chief Paul Goward wrote an office memo title "Are You A Jelly Belly," meant to call attention to his department's portly disposition. It contained ten specific observations, a sampling of which state that overweight cops:
- poorly represent the profession
- poop out when chasing suspects
- have to resort to "a higher level of force" if a criminal got the upper hand in a fight
- are a liability to the city and their families
The memorandum drew complaints, including an anonymous letter reading, "This [memo] shows the type of harassment and hostile work environment we have. The chief of police is constantly 'bad talking' us in every way possible and we have had enough of his arrogance." City officials supported the department and forced Paul Goward to resign.
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higher level of force
I think the most interesting remark was that overweight police officers will have to resort to a higher level of force. Since the police are here to protect the public, they should do all possible to prevent violence first, and crime second. If in shape officers have less dangerous encounters, then this should be mandate.
The same could be said for the armed forces (which do mandate physical regulations). Soldiers that can out maneuver an opponent can much more easily gain surrender as opposed to a kill. Perhaps we should bring (back) similar requirements to police officers as the ones we use for the soldiers.
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Jelly Belly - come on - that's funny by Dereck :: NR5 :: Show
I see police officers of a "portly disposition" all the time and I'm glad someone (within the police) pointed this out. Yes, he could have been more PC about the memo but from what I read it more so sounded humorous then insulting. I hope this story highlights the overarching issue of policies on basic fitness requirements. There is no reason we can't ask this of our police officers.