The work of police officers is associated with both physical and mental challenges. The shift work in the police profession is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (Stafford et al., 2007). Metabolic syndrome incorporates numerous conditions including increase blood pressure, high cholesterol and excess body fat (Ramey et al., 2012). Moreover, the demanding nature of the police officers prevent them having appropriate physical excesses. Due to these challenges, a high percentage of police officers report obesity and obesity related complications.
An obese police officer is ineffective and vulnerable to numerous challenges in their respective daily life. The police officers are required to champion security and safety, which sometimes require the officers to run after a criminal (Ramey et al., 2012). Due to challenges associated with obesity, the police officer is unable to run or may suffer complications. Therefore, the efficiency of the police officer is compromised (Stafford et al., 2007). Moreover, the police officer has to go through some dangerous environmental spaces, such as small spaces in fulfilling their obligations. An obese officer is unable to fit through the small openings. The officer in such circumstances can be attacked by the criminal or be able to arrest the criminal. In addition, the obese officer will need more food to replenish the energy used in fulfilling the daily obligations. It means the officer will have to increase the amount of food consumed.
Obesity has been shown to introduce other medical or health complications (Ramey et al., 2012). For example, obese police officers have more risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, breathing difficulties and digestive disorders (Stafford et al., 2007). These health and medical conditions affects the operations of the police officers. Moreover, the health and medical conditions makes the officer to request for sick offs and absenteeism. Hence, the role and responsibilities of the police officers is affected by lack of physical activities and emotional factors.
- Ramey, S. L., Perkhounkova, Y., Moon, M., Budde, L., Tseng, H. C., & Clark, M. K. (2012). The effect of work shift and sleep duration on various aspects of police officers’ health. Workplace Health & Safety, 60(5), 215-222.
- Stafford, M., Cummins, S., Ellaway, A., Sacker, A., Wiggins, R. D., & Macintyre, S. (2007). Pathways to obesity: identifying local, modifiable determinants of physical activity and diet. Social science & Medicine, 65(9), 1882-1897.
