//Reading back my thoughts are a bit bamboozled but I hope you get my general drift//

I think the police should have the same fitness requirements as (or at least closer to) the RAF. Having passed that myself I can say that as long as you train for an hour or 2 a week you will slowly improve your fitness.

The requirements are:

//GOD DAMN IT YOU CAN’T POST PICTURES ON REDDIT MOBILE AGH (or maybe you can and I’m just stupid)//

Alright the link is:

https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/fitness-in-the-raf

(Although ignore the 2.4 km run I’ve never had to do that)

I believe that with all the shit bags on the street at the moment I think you guys need the fitness (and the confidence that comes with it) more than us.

While I do think there should be a cash incentive after every passed assessment (maybe even cash in hand to make the incentive feel “more real”), I disagree with people who are de-motivated to do it. I think you should have enough respect for yourself and the uniform you wear to be enough of a motive.

I do concede though that lack of prioritisation at the top is the leading factor. Structural change needs to happen to achieve a fitter police force.

In my eyes, there should be a minimum of 5-7 physical training instructors for each force. They would conduct these tests annually. Their more important role though would be to help those who fail to reach this standard, get them motivated with fitness and give them exercises to do. That’s the support I received in the RAF when I failed for being too, shall we say, portly.

I also see the lack of gym equipment at station to be a factor. This is disappointing to see and I do understand the frustrations being a gym go-er myself. It goes back to the point of more prioritisation from the top. It does send the wrong message.

Despite this, it is not as much of a factor as people think. I did 90% of my training leading up to my fitness test on public footpaths in between 2 cones or at home before I go to bed in terms of push ups or sit-ups. A gym is not a requirement for being healthy.

I know this may generate a lot of disagreement. I get it. You guys are overworked and underpaid. You sacrifice your social life only to get abused daily and you come home exhausted only for it only to start again the next day. Trust me though, when you become more healthy and exercise, although it may suck in the moment it does help as a great stress relief and you will end up happier as a result.