PHYSICAL FITNESS OF POLICEMEN

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28938, 4 July 1959, Page 11

PHYSICAL FITNESS OF POLICEMEN

MB, Out Of 591, Pass Medical Examination (Stw Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 3. Last year, of 591 policemen medically examined, only 268 were passed fit for all duties consistent with age. Another 32 were declared unfit for all active police duties, and 23 were certified unfit for even sedentary duties and were recommended to be retired on medical grounds. In the “fit for most duties, but have some work limitations” category there were 204 out of 591 examined. Another 20 were found to be slightly below standard because of visual defects. The Commissioner of Police (Mr W. S. Brown), in his annual report to Parliament, gives these figures and says that a study of the detailed results shows some Interesting and disquieting points.

For instance, the number of men fit for all duties consistent with age, after the age of 35. is consistently below 60 per cent. Another disturbing feature, he says, is the sharp reduction in the number fit for all duties after the age of 50. Only 87 out of 247 men above the age of 50 were placed in the “fit for all duties” class.