Assessing Differences in Anthropometric and Fitness Characteristics Between Police Academy Cadets and Incumbent Officers

Abstract

Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Pope, R, and Terry, J. Assessing differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between police academy cadets and incumbent officers. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2641-2650, 2018-The physical fitness of police officers must be developed in new cadets and sustained in incumbent officers. The aims of this study were to profile and compare the anthropometric and fitness characteristics of police academy cadets and incumbent officers of varying ages from a single police force. Retrospective data for 84 police academy cadets (♂ = 66, mean age = 27.96 ± 5.73 years; ♀ = 18, mean age = 30.50 ± 5.76 years) and 80 incumbent police officers (♂ = 73, mean age = 39.43 ± 8.28 years; ♀ = 7, mean age = 37.86 ± 3.67 years) were compiled. Data included participant age, anthropometric (body mass, lean mass, and fat mass), and fitness measurements (1-minute push-up, 1-minute sit-up, 1 repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, 300-m, and 1.5-mile run). Male cadets exhibited significantly lower fat mass than male officers (12.4 vs. 15.1 kg, p = 0.003). These differences were fully explained by the age differences between these groups (p = 0.046). Male cadets were more aerobically fit with greater muscular endurance than male officers (p < 0.001 for all measures). This difference was not explained by age differences (p > 0.80 for all measures). Male cadets also exhibited higher anaerobic fitness than male officers (p < 0.001). Age differences only partially explained this difference (p = 0.01). Female cadets exhibited greater upper-body strength and muscular endurance than female officers (p < 0.004 for all measures), independent of age. Being a police officer, rather than age progression, may largely account for observed lower levels of fitness in incumbent officers when compared with cadets. Formalized physical training programs for incumbent police officers are needed if their fitness is to be maintained and risk of cardiovascular disease minimized.

The Relationship between Fitness and Marksmanship in Police Officers

“…The fitness measures that were utilised for this study have been commonly used within the literature for this population [3,5,7,[20][21][22]. The following is a detailed description for each of the fitness tests that were performed by the officers.…”

“…Officers who are physically unfit may be at greater risk of injury, illness and time off work [6]. It is therefore unsurprising that in anticipation of these task-related demands, police recruits are required to undergo preliminary physical training [7], where there is an emphasis placed on producing police officers who are capable of performing the physically demanding tasks required of them in the workforce [6,8]. However, despite this emphasis, a significant decline in physical fitness is often seen during their employment, which could negatively impact occupational task performance over time [9].…”

“…It is recognised that this decline in physical fitness may be credited to an increase in age [10], as well as the sedentary nature of this occupation (e.g., shift work, sedentary tasks, etc.) [7]. In addition, there have been differences noted between the sexes, with the average male police officer typically achieving higher fitness levels than the average female officer [10].…”

A Comparative Analysis of Physical Fitness in Korean Police Officers: Focus on Results between 2014 to 2019

“…These trends can be observed in reports by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) [10][11][12][13][14]. The NSCA developed the 'Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) program' for tactical populations [10], and several studies have been published on the physical fitness of police officers [11][12][13][14]. These studies have highlighted the need for education on the importance and positive effects of physical fitness for police officers [5], as well as the need for training programs to improve and maintain physical fit-…”

“…Additionally, the range of the interests of sports scientists has recently expanded to include tactical populations such as police officers [9]. These trends can be observed in reports by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) [10][11][12][13][14]. The NSCA developed the 'Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) program' for tactical populations [10], and several studies have been published on the physical fitness of police officers [11][12][13][14].…”