“Justice… served!”
That’s what I get for requiring every officer in the department to run an obstacle course. This is year two of the requirement, and it was a little rough for me this time. As the bodycam shows, I took a spill on the course — a bruised ego more than anything — but it underscores my point: if I require it, I’ll do it too.
I believe one thing strongly: If the job description says you might have to chase someone, get over a wall or fight someone, you should be physically capable of doing it.
We don’t all need to be Olympic athletes, but there should be a base level of fitness that reflects the demands of the job. Officer safety, public trust and peer accountability all depend on it.
This annual course isn’t just about running and jumping; it’s about leading by example, having some fun and reminding ourselves what readiness looks like. Those who perform well are rewarded with incentives, and those who don’t are given support to get to where they should be.
If I’m going to require it, I’m going to do it too. Fall and all. Other than ego, no chiefs were harmed in the making of this video.
How can leaders show they hold themselves to the same standards as their officers? Share below.
