Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/423221
www.officer.com December 2014 Law Enforcement Technology 27 we need to focus on the vicarious benefits to the community which officers serve. "First it is vital for any department to understand the overwhelming research data correlating fitness/wellness with bet- ter mood, better cognitive function, less sick days, and higher subjective ratings of vitality," he continues. "Once these truths are understood, a department will realize resources spent in this endeavor will reap great rewards. Once we have that level of commitment to understand why we are doing it, then I suggest a department reach out and seek information on how to do it. Our department entered a part- nership with an internationally known trainer, Jason Seib, specifically because he has designed a holistic program which takes into consideration the unique chal- lenges law enforcement officers face daily. He has created a fitness, nutrition and stress management program that is both achievable and relevant." Start with analysis, advises FitForce's Smith. "This is less costly and the results should inform the rationale and process of responding to the findings," he says. "Analyze the physical demands of the job: A job analysis is the basis for all employ- ment practices, i.e. policy/procedure, job descriptions, training, hiring/retention/ return to duty/disability/retirement. Analyze the needs of the department and its workforce: take a structured approach to a needs analysis and develop a plan to address those needs. One of my other hats is Strength and Conditioning Coach and this is the approach I take with ath- letes as well. I start with a whole bunch of questions, see if I need more information, review the results, verify the interpreta- tion is correct, and then formulate a planned response." Even though an officer's work day is jam packed to begin with, departments should make fitness time a regimented Circle 20 on Reader Service Card MADE IN THE USA Law enforcement professionals have trusted Garrett's ground search, hand-held, and walk- through metal detectors to get the job done for 50 years. Tel: 1.972.494.6151 www.garrett.com Law Enforcement Military Special Events Evidence Recovery Loss Prevention Mass Transit Government Facilities ® Fitness testing by Fit-to-Enforce HEALTH & FITNESS