Mandatory Physical Training for Police Employees – a Rare Occurrence Around the Country’s Agencies

• In Event: Police Organizational Issues

Abstract

In 2014, a University of Stockholm study showed that exercising during the workday was advantageous for both employees and their employers, while creating boost in productivity and profitability, while fostering camaraderie in the work force. Many European police forces mandate physical training and wellness as part of the in-service development. Drawing from these research findings, the authors examine the lack of such obvious benefits that have been proven to increase employees’ productivity and their emotional wellbeing, among majority of law enforcement agencies across the United States. The authors will discuss the apparent benefits of mandatory physical training for law enforcement officers and present an analysis of cost effective benefits for the implementation of such mandatory training.

Authors

• Maria Maki Haberfeld, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Michael C. Walker, Passaic Community College

• William Fraher, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• William LaRaia, John Jay College of Criminal Justice