Hello, madelle123-ga!
Thanks so much for your patience!
Your thesis should be quite original as I found very little detailed
information relating to fitness programs that have been implemented
for corrections officers.
The initiation of fitness/wellness programs for correctional officers
is a relatively new concept. In fact, I found more relating to fitness
programs for prisoners than I did for the officers that oversee them!
The few references to fitness programs for corrections officers,
specifically, don't go into much detail. You may want to do some extra
legwork by writing or calling the individual facilities mentioned if
you want to get specific program details.
Since policemen, firefighters and public safety personnel face similar
job stresses, I have included some books and articles outlining
fitness programs for law enforcement personnel which should be a good
start for your research. You will have to purchase them or find them
in a bookstore for specifics on the programs.
==
I have divided my answer into four parts and provided references for each:
* An overview of the general benefits of employee fitness programs
* Job stresses particular to Corrections Officers
* The emerging recognition of the need for wellness programs among corrections
or law enforcement officers
* Sample fitness program overviews and books targeted to specific workouts.
I believe you will walk away with a good understanding of what is
currently in place, and an idea of how much farther correctional
facilities can move forward to ensure that their officers are taken
care of in a physical and emotional sense.
******************************************************
OVERVIEW OF THE BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE FITNESS PROGRAMS
******************************************************
Over the years, the general public has been made well aware of the
health benefits of exercise, both in alleviating stress and in
improving overall fitness to gain an advantage over certain diseases
and the ravages of old age. Companies are also realizing the benefits
of employee health and wellness programs, both in terms of individual
worker health and the consequent advantages to the company from a
healthier employee group as a whole.
The general benefits of employee fitness programs are well-documented.
Certainly, a happier, less-stressed employee is more inclined to stay
at a job than one who cannot cope with job stresses and suffers health
consequences due to work conditions. The types of benefits outlined in
the very general articles below can certainly be translated to the
potential benefits of similar programs in a correctional setting.
Career longevity, or employee retention, is one benefit that suits
both the company and the employer.
From "Company fitness programs lead to employee retention," by Tom
Murnane. The Business Review. August 3, 2001
http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2001/08/06/focus3.html
"When a company invests in a fitness program like her company does, it
shows the company cares about its employees and makes it that much
harder to ever consider leaving for another job, the 15-year company
employee said. "It's definitely one of the reasons why employee
retention is so good around here," she said. "For me, I would be
hard-pressed to entertain employment elsewhere that doesn't have what
we have here. You get used to it very quickly."
=
From "Nine-to-five fitness: making a fitness program a working part of
your company's benefits package," by Joan P. Hunt, Marilyn Shank.
American Fitness, May-June, 1992
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_n3_v10/ai_12224956
* Less illness
* Reduced turnover
* Better attitude toward work
* Lower absenteeism
* Better relationships at work
=
From "Promoting Physical and Fiscal Fitness in the Workplace: a
Commentary." Nicholas A. DiNubile, MD, with Carl Sherman. THE
PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 27 - NO. 2 - FEBRUARY 1999.
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/02_99/dinubile.htm
"A number of studies point out the benefits for companies that provide
workplace exercise programs. A reduction of healthcare and insurance
costs is a direct result documented in a number of studies. Others
confirm declines in absenteeism, injury rates (including work-related
injuries and compensation claims), injury-related absences, and
turnover, as well as improvements in job performance and productivity.
In addition, intangible factors such as employee satisfaction may be
important in hiring and retaining qualified employees, particularly in
times of high employment."
************************************
JOB STRESS AND CORRECTIONS OFFICERS
************************************
The following articles highlight the particular job stresses and
resulting behaviors that are experienced and displayed by many
corrections officers:
From "Job Stress and Burnout Among Correctional Officers: A Literature
Review." Wilmar B. Schaufeli and Maria C. W. Peeters. International
Journal of Stress Management. Issue: Volume 7, Number 1 Date:
January 2000 Pages:19-48
http://www.springerlink.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=5d00991645fd456eae29e7cfdd7fb342&referrer=parent&backto=issue,2,7;journal,12,21;linkingpublicationresults,1:104881,1
Abstract: "This literature review presents an overview of occupational
stress and burnout in correctional institutions, based on 43
investigations from 9 countries. First, the prevalence of various
stress reactions among correctional officers (COs) is discussed:
turnover and absenteeism rates, psychosomatic diseases, and levels of
job dissatisfaction and burnout. Next, empirical evidence is
summarized for the existence of 10 specific stressors in the CO's job.
It appears that the most notable stressors for COs are role problems,
work overload, demanding social contacts (with prisoners, colleagues,
and supervisors), and poor social status. Finally, based on 21
articles, individual-oriented and organization-oriented approaches to
reduce job stress and burnout among COs are discussed. It is concluded
that particularly the latter (i.e., improving human resources
management, professionalization of the CO's job, and improvement of
the social work environment) seems to be a promising avenue for
reducing job stress and burnout in correctional institutions."
==
From "High Stress, Low Glamor: Correctional Officers Struggle with
Workplace Strains," By DAVID CRARY. PoliceOne. 5/8/2005.
http://www.policeone.com/health-fitness/articles/100392/
"Verrastro, 42, enjoys the camaraderie of his co-workers, and knows
his job is more secure than many in an economically struggling region.
Overall, however, he shares the dim view of many in his field - that
guarding inmates is dangerous and thankless work, fueling stress that
inevitably affects an officer's family."
"The consequences for those in the profession can be severe, including
higher-than-normal rates of alcohol abuse, illness, depression and
divorce. Florida's corrections department, as part of an appeal for
employees to try stress-reducing meditation, said correctional
officers' life expectancy is 16 years less than the national average."
Read further...
==
From "Opening the Manager's Door: State Probation Officer Stress and
Perceptions of Participation in Workplace Decision Making," by
Christine Sutton. Federal Probation, June 2004
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4144/is_200406/ai_n9446548
"The majority of the studies done on job stress and burnout in
criminal justice have focused on police and correctional officers.
Furthermore, researchers have neglected the Federal probation officer,
who supervises parolees as well. Stress was denied as a non-specific
response of the body to any demand. Stress can result in both positive
and negative circumstances. Prolonged and extreme stress can manifest
itself in withdrawal from work, emotional exhaustion and burnout. The
stress levels of probation officers have been found to be higher than
those of the general population. The dangers inherent to the job and
having to make recommendations that result in custodial sentences were
identified as two significant potential Stressors for probation
officers."
"The authors used a 61-question questionnaire, sent electronically to
636 probation officers in a southern state to collect data, measuring
contributors of stress and how stress can manifest into the
deterioration of physical health of the probation officer. The sample
population consisted of 52 percent women, 48 percent male officers,
with 61 percent married, a median age of 36.2 years, an average of two
years prior experience and a mean amount of time on the job of 8.5
years. The survey was divided into components measuring the level of
external, internal job or task, personal and physical stressed
experienced by the respondents. Questions distinguished managers from
line officers, determined caseload size, identifed officers with
specialized caseloads, allowed officers to specify what function is
the primary focus of their job, as well as the number of sick days
used in the last year."
"As identified by the respondent officers, the most influential
Stressors were found to be inadequate salary, courts being too lenient
on offenders, lack of promotional opportunities, frustration with the
criminal justice system, excessive paperwork, ineffectiveness of the
judical system, expectations to do too much in too little time, lack
of recognition for good work, ineffectiveness of the correctional
system, inadequate support from the agency and lack of community
resources."
==
From "Reducing stress for officers and their families," by Doris T.
Wells. Corrections Today, April, 2003
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1850/is_200304/ai_n7355674
"Correctional officers who experience job-related stress may find it
necessary to use excessive amounts of sick leave. Stress may cause
them to make costly errors or take early retirement. Job-related
stress can also make recruiting, hiring and retaining officers
difficult. Reducing correctional officer stress not only saves money,
it also improves officers' health and makes correctional facilities
better places to work."
** Need to purchase article to read in it's entirety....
==
For an overview of stressors and the recommendation for regular
exercise as one component of relieving stress, see: "Developing a Law
Enforcement Stress Program for Officers and Their Families. U.S. Dept.
Of Justice. http://www.abtassociates.com/reports/stress-program.pdf
"Advise regular physical exercise before, during, or after the work
day (both Michigan Behavioral Science Section psychologists jog and
lift weights)."
===
From "Stress Among Probation and Parole Officers and What Can Be Done
About It." U.S. Dept of Justice. Research for Practice. June 2005.
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/205620.pdf
"The major sources of stress for community corrections officers are
high caseloads, excess paperwork, and deadline pressures. Combined,
these factors make it difficult for many officers to find the time to
properly supervise their caseloads. Officers cope by taking "mental
health" days, requesting transfers, or retiring early.
** Physical exercise is the method of choice for coping with the stress. **
"Probation and parole officers stand at the hub of the criminal
justice system. Theirs are the only professions that deal with
offenders at each stage of the criminal justice system. As a result,
they face, to some degree, every criminal justice practitioner
problem. Their work exacts a toll in job-related stress. Knowing the
causes of stress and its adverse effects for officers, the agency, and
public safety can be a first step in tackling the problem."
"Not much research has been conducted on work-related stress among
community corrections officers. Results from this study combined with
the sparse evidence from previous research, indicate that many of
them experience considerable job-related stress. Stress also affects
supervisors, support staff, and family members."
"Probation and parole work can be dangerous. Between 39 and 55
percent of officers have been victims of work-related violence or
threats, according to surveys conducted in four States. The types and
levels of stress vary with the nature of the work and the kinds of
offenders supervised. For example, parole officers who work in a
facility or community setting may be concerned for their own safety.
Many officers believe, with good reason, that their work has become
even riskier. Offenders sentenced to probation and released on parole
commit more serious crimes than in the past, and more offenders have
serious drug abuse histories and show less hesitation in using
vio-lence. Yet almost all sources of stress cited by the officers
interviewed for the study stem from the the agency itself, not the
dangers on the job."
(The article goes on to cite high caseloads, paperwork, and tight
deadlines as major sources of stress. Dislike of their supervisor,
poor opportunities for advancement, low salaries, and a feeling they
are being held accountable for offender misconduct where other
stressors noted.)
** "When asked how they deal with stress in a positive way, more
officers cited physical exercise than any other technique." **
(Read entire articles for suggestions on implementing an employee
stress reduction program and several case studies.
************************************************************
RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FITNESS/WELLNESS PROGRAMS
************************************************************
Many of the references below are pointed toward police officers or
safety personnel, who experience job stresses similar to corrections
officers.
"The benefits and challenges of a fitness and lifestyle enhancement
program for correctional officers." Jette M, Sidney K. Can J Public
Health. 1991 Jan-Feb;82(1):46-51
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2009486&dopt=Abstract
"This paper documents the benefits and difficulties encountered in the
development of an on-site exercise and lifestyle enhancement program
for correctional officers. 25 male correctional officers participated
in a 6.5-week strength and aerobic training program integrated with
penitentiary duties. 21 officers were available for retesting. The
program was associated with decreases in body weight, skinfold
thickness, cholesterol levels and increases in HDL-cholesterol, chest
girth, strength scores and muscular endurance. Resting heart rates and
systolic blood pressures were reduced but there was no significant
change in maximal oxygen consumption. Furthermore, there were
favourable changes in smoking and alcohol consumption, sleeping
patterns, nutritional habits and tolerance of stress. These results
are probably typical of what can be expected from a program of this
type. We conclude that a brief at-work exercise and health enhancement
program can exert positive but modest influences on the fitness,
health and lifestyle of correctional officers, without undermining
security of the institution. However, if this type of program is to
achieve beneficial effects on health and fitness, a number of
difficulties must be addressed."
==
From "Stress in the Prison Service: The Benefits of Exercise
Programs," by Julia Kielyl and George Hodgson. Human Relations. 1990;
43: 551-572.
http://hum.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/43/6/551?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=1125589371031_382&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&minscore=5000&journalcode=sphum
Abstract only - "This article examines the job and role of prison
officers in the light of theoretical work on occupational stress.
Research findings and literature reviews on the value of exercise to
offset occupational stress are considered. A visit was made to a
prison currently operating a staff exercise program during duty hours,
and interviews were held with staff. Further prisons of similar
categorization were contacted by questionnaire to obtain comparable
statistical data on overtime and sickness rates. The questionnaire
also sought Governors' opinions of occupational stress and the
feasibility of introducting staff exercise programs as a means of
alleviating stress. Finally, in-depth interviews were held with a
selection of staff who had experienced an illness which they
attributed to stress. The results highlight the positive benefits of
physical exercise and general fitness both as stress preventors and as
a means of overcoming the harmful effects of stress. It also reveals
the need for more rigorous research regarding the perceived and actual
benefits of physical exercise as a way of combating occupational
stress."
You may purchase this article through Sage Publications if you do not
have college or university access to the Journal text:
http://hum.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/43/6/551
==
See "Physical training programs for public safety personnel."
Moulson-Litchfield M, Freedson PS. Clin Sports Med. 1986
Jul;5(3):571-87.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2941166&query_hl=2
"In the 1970s, police and fire departments became acutely aware of
high numbers of on-the-job injuries and illnesses related to coronary
heart disease. Disability payments for premature cardiovascular
problems were being linked to cardiovascular risk factors accrued
while on the job. This prompted public safety departments to initiate
fitness programs for their employees. The fitness level of public
safety personnel is not high. Job-related benefits have been linked to
consistent physical training; high aerobic capacity, high muscular
strength and endurance, above-average lean body weight, and minimal
body fat are necessary for efficient job performance. In light of the
physical benefits gained through regular exercise, pioneer departments
began exercise programs for their personnel. These included the fire
departments in Lawrence, Kansas, Alexandria, Virginia and Los Angeles,
and the Dallas police department."
read further..
==
Also see "A comparison of two fitness programs to reduce the risk of
coronary heart disease in public safety officers." McMurray RG,
Harrell JS, Griggs TR. J Occup Med. 1990 Jul;32(7):616-20.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2391575&query_hl=2
"The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness
of a fitness program designed as an alternative to the standard
weight-training and running program and using limited resources and
facilities. Forty-three men from the North Carolina Justice Academy,
randomly assigned into two groups, completed 12 weeks of physical
training. The WT group used a standard weight training and running,
whereas the REC group ran and completed a resistive exercise circuit.
The REC circuit consisted of nine exercises designed to improve
muscular strength and endurance separated by 30 seconds of aerobic
exercise. The exercises used chairs, tables, sawhorses, and body
weight to provide the resistance. The results indicated that the REC
program improved muscular strength and aerobic capacity as well as the
WT program. Furthermore, the REC group lost more weight, reduced body
fat, and improved their lipid profiles significantly more than the WT
group. Thus, the REC program is a viable alternative for the training
of public safety officers when only limited resources are available."
==
The importance of "wellness" in maintaining officer capability:
From "For the Veteran Officers: Leadership, Ethics, and Wellness
Training," By Randolph D. James, Director, Suburban Law Enforcement
Academy, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=113&issue_id=102003
Wellness: "A major factor in preventing the veteran officer from
falling into the victim trap is personal wellness. Veteran officers
who have a high level of both physical and emotional wellness are much
more likely to maintain their dedication to the profession and avoid
feeling victimized. By balancing their personal and professional
lives, officers learn that they can enjoy both physical and emotional
wellness."
==
"Departmental Gyms Become Fitness Rooms: Final Phase in a Holistic
Fitness Approach," by Richard B. Weinblatt. LAW AND ORDER: THE
MAGAZINE FOR POLICE MANAGEMENT. May 2000
http://www.policetrainingassociates.com/ArticlesLandOMay2000.html
"The nation's interest in fitness has not gone unnoticed by law
enforcement administrators. Initially many managers focused on
weightlifting, but the gym phase is the final step in a holistic
fitness program. "Fitness makes sense for the officers, their
employers and the public," said Elizabeth Bondurant, a lieutenant with
the Plainsboro (N.J.) Police Department who stressed the need for a
departmentally promulgated fitness push.According to Roger D.
Reynolds, associate director of the Cooper Institute for Aerobics
Research, "We are purists in our approach to law enforcement fitness."
"Reynolds has been conducting fitness training for law enforcement and
military personnel since the early 1970s. "Our theory has been to get
a good person in a leadership role, train that person and have them
bring the fitness philosophy back to the department," he said.
"Law enforcement administrators have realized the inherent value in
having personnel that are mentally and physically at their peak.
Correspondingly, those drab rooms with a few metal weight plates have
found new life as centers for fitness and personal improvement."
==
An overview of the need for fitness programs among law enforcement officers:
"Physical fitness: tips for the law enforcement executive ," by Daniel
E. Shell. The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, May, 2005
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2194/is_5_74/ai_n13826305
Excerpts:
"Contemporary exercise includes screening and testing fitness levels
and designing individual exercise prescriptions linked to other
physical demands of the law enforcement profession. Departments can
use professional resources to educate their law enforcement personnel
to incorporate wellness habits at entry-level training that will last
an entire career and, further, lifetime. For example, one research and
education organization used law enforcement job task analysis data to
develop corresponding fitness assessments, testing protocols, and
related standards applicable to police and firefighter personnel."
"Arguments for not implementing fitness standards often center around
the cost involved and, perhaps, a union's disapproval. Certainly,
department heads should take cost-effectiveness into consideration
when developing long-term health programs....."
"The goal of lifelong wellness is not to produce a "super" law
enforcement officer who can push cars; jump over buildings, walls, or
other obstacles; and run all day. Law enforcement agencies should
implement programs that prepare officers within their own genetical
potential to perform their jobs in good health for the length of their
careers."
"Leaders should prepare for a department of healthy and fit personnel
by recruiting, hiring, training, and educating the workforce for the
future. Physical activity, exercise, and nutritional lifestyle changes
are not blocks of time in stand-alone presentations. Rather, they
offer a lifetime of rewards if implemented and maintained correctly.
Investing the time to properly plan a fitness program and select the
most desirable physical trainer for the department will glean the most
positive results; planning the program takes time and effort."
*****************************************
REFERENCES FOR SAMPLE FITNESS PROGRAMS
*****************************************
The National Institute of Corrections has made some suggestions for
employee wellness programs in the following report:
From "Managing Staff: Correction's Most Valuable Resource." National
Institute of Corrections.
http://www.nicic.org/Misc/URLShell.aspx?SRC=Catalog&REFF=http://nicic.org/Library/013216&ID=013216&TYPE=PDF&URL=http://www.nicic.org/pubs/1996/013216.pdf
"Wellness Programs: Another agency or institution-level program
requiring a small agency investment in return for large payoffs is a
wellness program. These programs can vary from printing low-fat
recipes in agency newsletters to sponsoring exercise programs,
physical examinations, mammograms for female employees,
stress-reduction workshops, eye and blood pressure screenings, healthy
foods in the cafeteria, and other initiatives. A healthier workforce
takes less sick days, requiring less overtime to fill the posts of
sick employees. In addition, exercise and good health tend to improve
individuals? moods and attitudes, making them and those around them
happier. In many cases, agencies can use existing resources in
wellness programs; for example, most institutions have fitness
equipment. Creative scheduling can allow staff to
use the equipment during times when inmates are not. Many new
institutions are being constructed to include staff exercise areas. In
addition to the costs associated with sick time, physically fit
employees are better suited to performing the physical activity
sometimes associated with maintaining security."
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Wellness Initiative Now
=================================================================
The TDCJ has implemented a wellness program that utilizes numerous
fitness programs and healthful activities promoted through a monthly
newsletter. I am sure there is more to the program than what can be
found on the website, but please feel free to look it over for some
ideas.
Welcome to the TDCJ Wellness Initiative Now
http://nicic.org/Misc/URLShell.aspx?SRC=Catalog&REFF=http://nicic.org/Library/018471&ID=018471&TYPE=HTML&URL=http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/
Read about the "The 2005 Texas Round-Up Governor's Challenge."
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/challenge.htm
"The six-week physical activity program was designated from February
28, 2005 through April 10, 2005. During this period, there were 7,363
TDCJ employees, friends and family members who participated and 6,067
completed the entire event! TDCJ had more than 100 participants who
traveled to Austin for the 10K run/walk/relay.
The Department institutes Wellness Initiatives by Unit
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/initiatives.htm
Examples:
"William P. Clements Unit had 115 participants in the Texas Round Up
this year. There are two gym areas on the unit that have been made
available to all employees for walking, weight lifting and cardio
exercise. On June 14, the Harrington Cancer Center came to the unit to
perform mammograms for employees. They completed 18 appointments. The
response was so overwhelming that another date has been scheduled. A
weight loss contest was also held and a total of 100 lbs. were lost by
participants."
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/unit-bc.htm
"The Dalhart Unit has lunchtime walks Monday through Friday. Walking
is done at a brisk pace and completed within 30 minutes. All employees
are welcome to attend." http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/unit-dh.htm
A series of interesting unit fitness activites are outline on the
following site: http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/win/initiatives.htm#ftstockton
Books
======
The Law Enforcement Wellness Association is dedicated to promoting the
physical and psychological health of officers. The site contains some
useful information. http://www.cophealth.com/
The association recommends an excellent book which outlines some
specific training programs for law enforcement personnel:
"Fit for Duty; The Peace Officers Guide to Total Fitness," By Robert
Hoffman and Thomas R. Collingwood.
http://www.cophealth.com/bookstore3.html
"Documents a great fitness program designed law enforcement officers.
Strength and stamina are a necessity and should be a prerequisite for
law enforcement. This book details proven methods of taking charge
when it comes to your overall fitness level. A good read for law
enforcement officers desiring information specific to law enforcement
fitness issues.
==
"Fit Force Coordinator Guide."
http://www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,HK-FFOR0101.html
"This guide is designed to help law enforcement officers implement the
FitForce program -or any other fitness program - at their law
enforcement agencies. It also serves as the course text and workbook
for FitForce Coordinator Workshops."
"Written by experts with more than 20 years' combined experience in
law enforcement fitness, the FitForce Coordinator Guide provides all
the information law enforcement agencies need to run an effective and
efficient fitness program. This guide explains how to:
* achieve or improve officer fitness,
* set up and maintain a FitForce program within an agency,
* teach fellow officers about fitness, and
* keep officers involved and motivated in the FitForce program.
Read further...
==
"Fit for Duty -2nd Edition," by Robert J. Hoffman, Thomas R.
Collingwood. Human Kinetics. 2005.
http://www.humankinetics.com/products/showproduct.cfm?isbn=0736055436
"In the world of law enforcement, there are no time-outs, no halftime
breaks, and no substitutions! If you?re a police officer, sheriff?s
deputy, state patrol officer, federal agent, or detention officer, you
know that you need strength and stamina to perform your job
effectively, especially when critical situations arise. Fit for Duty,
Second Edition will help you prepare for the rigors of your work.
You?ll learn how to develop an individualized fitness program that not
only improves your physical readiness but also helps you lead a
healthier lifestyle."
"Founded on 40 years of law enforcement fitness experience and
field-tested research involving more than 200 agencies, Fit for Duty,
Second Edition provides you with the most complete job-specific
training for improving your cardiovascular endurance, flexibility,
explosive strength, agility, speed, and anaerobic power. You?ll also
uncover new strategies for starting up an exercise program and
sticking with it, along with the latest dietary guidelines and stress-
and weight-management tools. Featuring updated illustrations and
all-new photos, this book also provides behavior-change strategies for
tobacco cessation and substance abuse prevention and lists
professional support organizations."
Other references
==================
A very good model fitness program for Law Enforcement Officers which
covers the 6 components of physical fitness and the benefits of
staying in shape can be found in the following article:
"Health and Fitness in Law Enforcement: A Voluntary Model Program
Response To a Critical Issue," by J. E. Smith, Jr. and G. Gregory
Tooker.
http://www.calea.org/newweb/newsletter/No87/healthfitness.htm
==
The following article outlines some physical fitness tests:
See "Underlying Physical Fitness Factors for Performing Police Officer
Physical Tasks," by Thomas R. Collingwood, Ph.D., President, Fitness
Intervention Technologies, Richardson, Texas; Robert Hoffman, Program
Coordinator, Thomas and Means LLP, Huntersville, North Carolina; and
Jay Smith, President, Integrated Fitness Systems and FitForce, Salem,
Massachusetts.
http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=251&issue_id=32004
"Few if any law enforcement personnel disagree with the notion that
physical fitness is necessary for the safe and effective performance
of certain critical and essential job functions. The more difficult
question is, how fit do officers need to be? There is even more
confusion as to how traditional measures of physical fitness, such as
push-ups and sit-ups, can be underlying and predictive factors for the
performance of those essential law enforcement job tasks."
Read on......
==
The following screening form for corrections officers provides some
insight into the physical abilities that are necessary upon hiring,
and which, ideally, should be maintained throughout the individual's
work life:
See "SAMPLE MEDICAL SCREENING FORM FOR USE IN THE SELECTION OF ADULT
CORRECTIONS OFFICERS."
http://www.bdcorr.ca.gov/stc/guidelines/medical_screening_guidelines/adult_corrections_officer/aco_physicians_guidelines.pdf
==
The following video broadcast is not available online, but you can
order a hard copy if you are interested:
"Correctional Staff Wellness: Making Choices Toward a Higher Level of
Total Health and Well Being." Published Date: 2004
http://nicic.org/Library/019659
"This 3-hour broadcast focuses on the importance of staff wellness in
a correctional environment. Topics include mental and physical health,
substance abuse, how to recognize and manage stress in the workplace,
stress-related symptoms, and staff support resources."
Examples of annual Police Officer Fitness Tests
-----------------------------------------------
From the Long Beach Police Department
http://www.post.ca.gov/library/p_ch/flagships/long_beach.asp
Phase I
--------
"The wellness phase requires the officer to complete an annual
physical examination by a physician. Each officer must submit a
written form from their doctor indicating their resting heart rate,
blood pressure reading, and cholesterol. The Department uses a
biometric impedance machine for measuring an officer's body fat
composition."
Phase II
----------
"The physical fitness phase consists of five events designed to assess
the officers' fitness level. The five events include:
Bench press - measures upper body strength
Sit and Reach - measures hamstring and low back flexibility
Sit ups - measures abdominal muscular endurance
Push ups - measures muscular endurance of the upper body
1½ mile run - measures cardio respiratory fitness
The Wellness/Fitness Program is designed to address all aspects of
physical fitness.
"Benefits of regular physical exercise include:
Strengthened cardiovascular system (heart and blood systems)
Improved strength and muscle endurance
Improved posture and self image
Improved flexibility (reduced lower back problems)
Decreased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer,
stroke, high blood pressure, lung disease, etc.
Tension and stress relief
see more...
==
"Gardner Police Department." Commonwealth of Massachusetts
http://www.mass.gov/dph/fch/wellness/wwwint03.htm
"Several years ago both the Patrol and Supervisors Union of Gardner
Police Department negotiated fitness incentives into their contracts.
The Civilian Dispatchers soon followed and now all members of the
Gardner Police Department who complete and pass the fitness test are
given a $300 incentive bonus. Some unions take the test twice
annually. The fitness test consists of:
timed sit-ups
timed push-ups
dumbbell press
bench press in which males press 85% of their body weight and females
press 65% of their body weight
one and a half-mile run, timed based on age.
"Both unions pooled their funds and purchased a 15 stage Nautilus gym
to stay in shape. The set includes 500 pounds of free weights, two
life cycles, a rowing machine, a treadmill, a squat rack and a set of
fixed dumbbells. They also purchased a sauna. This equipment is
available to all members and retiree's 24 hours a day seven days a
week. Officers are allowed to work out on duty for 30 minutes per
shift and can take their lunch break at the same time, which allows
them an hour workout. The logistics of street coverage is worked out
amongst the officers with approval of the supervisor."
Additional References
=======================
There are several article abstracts on the FBI library site which may
be of interest to you that are not accessible online.
http://fbilibrary.fbiacademy.edu/Templates/B=physicalfitnessinLE.htm
Strangberg, Keith W. "Health & Fitness for Law Enforcement." Law
Enforcement Technology 24, no. 8(August 1997): pp. 34-40
Abstract: Statistics have shown that officers who are physically fit
have fewer complaints, fewer injuries and higher productivity. Unfit
officers cost about two to three times more than fit officers. Police
departments are finding it advisable to apply physical fitness
standards to all officers throughout their careers, not just to
recruits, and are working to help officers meet those standards.
Departments that were designed and built before gyms were commonplace
are converting storage rooms into exercise areas, and providing
fitness equipment. Some municipalities are providing fitness club
memberships for city and county employees. This article describes the
ideal police department as one that has a state-of-the-art fitness
center open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a policy that would
allow for on-duty workouts, or at least lunchtime workouts.
Kenny, Sean M. "Become Truly Fit For Duty." Police (June 1999): pp.
56-59.Notes: Also available full-text on Criminal Justice Periodical
Index
Abstract: "Due to their chaotic schedules, physical job duties and
high-stress work environments, the law enforcement population must
consider several unique aspects when it comes to fitness and health.
The benefits of a consistent exercise regimen for law enforcement
personnel are many. Enhanced ability to manage stress, better sleep
habits and overall increase in job performance are but a few. It is
not too much to say that good fitness in law enforcement can be a
matter of life and death. Most officers are aware of the importance of
being physically fit, yet many lack the strength and stamina to
efficiently perform their job. This article offers physical fitness
tips for officers, laying the foundation for a more health-conscience
lifestyle.
Blum, Jon. "Physical Training for Law Enforcement." The Law
Enforcement Trainer 15, no. 4(July-August 2000): p. 12(5).
Abstract: Few police departments mandate physical fitness requirements
beyond basic training. Some police departments have mandatory
in-service wellness programs, but they rarely include consistent
mandates in the training formula. The most difficult challenge for any
law enforcement physical fitness instructor involves changing
individual behavior. This article discusses that issue.
Howard, Denise and Andy Prater. "Improving the Health of Law
Enforcement Officers: A Wellness Approach." The Police Chief (April
2000): pp. 167-72.
Abstract: Law enforcement officers need to be physically fit, but
developing a universally accepted set of standards and methods for
measuring physical fitness has proven difficult. No widespread
agreement exists on what a physical fitness test should measure. It is
well known that proper physical fitness tests can provide a great deal
of information about officers' physical capabilities. They may,
however, fail to diagnose underlying health problems such as high
blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. These problems, if left
untreated, eventually impede officers' physical capabilities and pose
serious threats to their long-term health. This article focuses on the
benefits of the wellness screening program. Learn how to implement a
wellness screening program in your department to successfully promote
health among officers in a cost-effective manner.
==
One other book that might be of interest:
"Stress Management for the Professional Corrections Officer."
http://www.steelepublishing.com/StressManagement.html
===
I have given you a lot to digest, but I believe my answer will
provide some good background from which you may proceed in your
research.
Best of luck on your thesis! Maybe I will find a copy of it online
when you are finished!? I would love to read it.
Sincerely,
umiat-ga
Search Strategy
(Ebsco Host, Google, Google Scholar and PubMed)
fitness AND corrections officers
fitness AND stress in corrections officers
stress and wellness programs for corrections officers
police wellness fitness programs
fitness and career longevity AND corrections officers
fitness programs and employee retention
employee fitness programs AND career longevity
employee fitness programs AND commitment to job
health benefits of employee fitness programs
can wellness programs help retain corrections officers? |
,
0 Comments
)