Chicago Area Local News

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Chicago's new top cop said he is considering a mandated physical fitness test for officers, one that could also take into account body fat, not only how much a cop weighs.

But as CBS 2's Jim Williams reports, the superintendent may have some heavy lifting when it comes to putting the weight of that responsibility on the shoulders of his officers

Supt. Jody Weis wants more of this officers running and lifting weights and fewer out-of-shape cops losing the battle of the bulge.

"If everyone could know the number one goal here ensure that members are healthy," said police spokesperson Monique Bond.

It's an admission that more needs to be done to encourage -- or demand -- officers stay in shape.

Right now, cops get a $250 bonus if they pass a yearly -- and voluntary -- physical fitness exam.

Two thousand four hundred passed, 1,300 didn't even show up and 100 failed.

"It would be unfair to right now say 'If you don't pass this test, we're gonna have all of these other things happen to you','' Weis said. "But I think it's something we have to build to. The American public expects police officers to be in shape.''

The police union opposes mandating a physical fitness regime, and argues consideration must be given for the stress and irregular hours of the job.

"It's a personal decision we hope everyone would make favorable for themselves and for their families, but because of the type of job we have, it's very difficult to work something like this into a daily regimen," said Mark Donahue, president of the Fraternal Order of Police.

"Having done this job myself, it is one of the most stressful occupations that you actually be in," Donahue added. "How many people at 3 o'clock in the morning are going to required to go from zero to 100 in a split second?"

The union is open higher cash incentives, but not mandatory exams.

Physical fitness is a personal priority of Supt. Weis.

"We need to develop a mind-set that taking care of yourself, being fit, being nutritionally sound, being as healthy as you can be is what you need to be a police officer,'' said Weis, who is a body builder and is married to a trainer.

The Chicago police union has already floated an idea to double the current incentive and eventually raise it to $850. Donahue said any mandate Weis has needs to be sent to the union first.

"If that's the superintendent's intent, he should put it in a proposal and deliver it to the negotiators,'' Donahue said.

"The members of this department are our most important resource so we want to encourage good health, wellness and make sure they're healthy, that's all," Bond said.

Weis said his first goal is to get his officers to take a "holistic'' approach to their health --good workout habits, good nutrition and understanding that staying fit helps them do their jobs better and stand a better chance at surviving life-threatening injuries.

But he is also looking at creating a mandate like other departments have done, including the Illinois State Police.

Chicago's system contrasts drastically with Illinois State Police, which offers a carrot and a stick, said Master Sgt. Sean Cormier. State cops, who are also in a union, are required to take a yearly exam that includes timed sit-ups, bench pressing, a 1.5-mile run and flexibility tests. Those who pass get an extra personal day and those who don't are required to work with a trainer.

Officers then have 90 days to follow the regime before re-testing.

"They are more likely to stay healthy . . . to protect themselves and others," Cormier said.

As for Chicago cops, any fitness requirements will have to be worked out -- not in a gym -- but at the negotiating table between the union and police brass.

CBS 2's Jim Williams and The STNG Wire contributed to this report.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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