By Police1 Staff
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The New Haven Police Department has implemented CrossFit training for officers and recruits, New Haven Register reported.
CrossFit, which combines gymnastics and weightlifting in intense bursts, is perfect for police because of their unpredictable, fast-paced jobs, Chief Dean Esserman told the news site.
“I believe we are the first official CrossFit Gym in a police academy setting in America,” Esserman said. “It is something that will be used by all academies to come and by the rank and file as part of their in-service.”
The classes are offered six times a week by four trainers.
“I think the main thing for the PD or any kind of recruit is we want them to be prepared for anything when they’re out there in the field. So, the cool thing about CrossFit is it’s constantly varied. It’s a ‘prepare for the unexpected’ type of thing,” CrossFit coach Jeff Funaro said.
The new workout regimen was born after New Haven police academy leaders visited the Milford Police Department and saw the academy there had CrossFit gear. They brought the idea back to city officials, who approved the purchase of equipment and a one-year pilot program.
The program began in April. So far, 10 officers have signed up, Academy Commander Capt. Julie Johnson told New Haven Register.
“I’m hoping it will catch on,” she said.