2 Metro Police Forces Don't Require Fitness Standards
OMAHA, Neb. -- You might expect police officers and firefighters to be in top physical condition, but two of the Omaha metropolitan area's largest law enforcement agencies have no physical fitness standards.
At both the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Omaha Police Department, no benchmarks for fitness are set and there are no programs to help officers stay in shape.
"We don't have an official wellness program. It's something we hope to have," said Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning.
Dunning said new recruits must pass physical tests to be hired, but once they're on the force, there are no minimum standards required to stay on the force. There is a gym at the sheriff's department, but its use is strictly voluntary.
It isn't clear why no standards and no programs are offered at the sheriff's or police department. Both Dunning and Omaha Police Chief Thomas Warren said they support the idea, and so do the unions.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an agreement on that," said Aaron Hanson, with the Omaha Police Union.
Hanson said physical fitness is a contract issue. He said the union asked for one hour of on-duty workout time each week and was refused. Union members are concerned about job security if they can't meet minimum physical standards, Hanson said.
"As the workforce gets older, you're going to have different standards, different levels of physical fitness based on your age, size, and gender," Hanson said.
The Nebraska State Patrol has a wellness program with standards based on age, height and gender. Lt. Judy Bailey tests new recruits for strength and endurance, plus cholesterol and body fat. The program gives new troopers a benchmark to maintain fitness throughout their careers, but the state patrol program is voluntary.
At the Omaha Fire Department, a wellness program is mandatory. Each fire station has its own gym, and firefighters are allowed to work out during their shifts. Once a year, wellness director Toni McIntosh tests all 640 firefighters for physical fitness and minimum standards are based on age, height and gender. Firefighters must maintain those standards to keep their jobs.
If firefighters doesn't pass, McIntosh creates a training program to bring him or her up to minimum standards. So far, she said, no firefighter has failed.
Warren declined to discuss wellness issues on his force or the possibility of giving officers time to work out on the job.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey said he doesn't support minimum fitness standards for police, but said the city does provide equipment and opportunities for officers to exercise during breaks.
Dunning said he's confident his department will reach an agreement at its next contract negotiation.
'With the union agreeing with my position, I don't think it's going to be a problem at all," Dunning said.
McIntosh said it can be done and promotes the force's bottom line of keeping first responders on the job and healthy. It can also provide other benefits, including lowered risk of heart attack, less sick time, fewer health insurance claims and better job performance.
Copyright 2006 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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