Canton Police Roll Out New Fitness Program

Submitted by the Canton Police Department

Officers with the Canton Police Department utilized part of their Saturday to take part in the Fallen Officers 5K, which was held in Powder Springs.

Officers used the event to prepare for the agency’s upcoming fitness test. 

The Canton Police Department requires applicants to perform a fitness test before they are hired to join the force. The test consists of a timed obstacle course, where a candidate must run, jump, climb and drag a 160-pound dummy. This test is to insure the candidate is fit for service.

However, like most agencies, they have not in the past offered programs to maintain a level of health and tested officers to make sure they maintain a fitness level to perform the demanding duties after being hired.

That will all change this month as the Canton Police Department has implemented the Cooper Institute fitness program.

The Institute has worked closely with in law enforcement, public safety and military personnel since 1976 to help roll out the program. Part of its mission is to help shape and influence fitness programs throughout the nation.

The department will introduce a Cooper Institute recommended fitness assessment that consists of:

1. 1.5 mile run
2. 1 minute timed sit ups
3. 1 minute timed push ups
4. Flexibility (sit and reach)
5. Body composition

Officers will also receive a stress and nutrition management course taught by a certified health and wellness instructor.

By implementing a physical fitness program, the Canton Police Department “will promote responsibility among its officers to take control of their own health,” the agency said.

This responsibility is positive, as law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard which allows them to provide an example to others. Being in excellent mental and physical condition not only helps the officer personally, but can affect the lives of the constituents of Canton and those they serve.

“The goal of our new Wellness Program is to strengthen the health of our officers both mentally and physically,” said Police Chief Mark Mitchell. “We feel this will not only benefit the individual and agency but also will provide a more professional fit officer to serve our community. This new program is a work in progress and will be introduced to help our employees assess their fitness level and provide helpful ways to improve their mental health, physical health, nutrition and reduce stress levels to meet the demands of this most noble of professions.”

Photo: from left to right, Officers Paul Johnston, Christian Cruz, Mary Turner and Assistant Chief Stephen Merrifield. Credit: Canton Police Department