NEW fitness tests introduced into policing will enable officers with lower limb conditions and other impairments to continue in their roles.<\/p>\n
The College of Policing endorsed two new fitness tests that give officers an “important alternative” to the standard fifteen metre shuttle run, South Yorkshire Police Federation said.<\/p>\n
All forces in England and Wales will have the option to offer the alternative fitness tests – the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test (CTPWT) and the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test (CTPRT) – after changes to the guidelines.<\/p>\n
After a warm-up, the new tests see the officer being required to walk at a brisk pace or run on the treadmill for ten minutes – with the gradient being increased every two minutes.<\/p>\n
Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said the bleep test can exacerbate existing injuries because the turn at the end of each length can compromise the knees.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIn the interests of fairness, it is important that we offer something that’s consistent and still controlled where officers can demonstrate their aerobic capability.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, officers who do struggle to pass fitness tests need to have a closer look at their general health, in case their problems are symptomatic of an underlying condition she added.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIf officers are struggling with fitness tests then maybe consideration should be given to other health issues – there could be something that is affecting the officers they are not aware of. So the fitness test almost acts as a health screen which could be indicative of other issues that the officer may be advised to explore further.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s a lot of support out there and this is about seeking that early intervention. If officers have concerns, obviously where officers repeatedly fail a fitness test there is advice and guidance and help can be given by the occupational health service.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cSo it’s not for officers to worry, but actually to be proactive generally keeping themselves fit and preventing injury in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n