Correctional officers can achieve heart rates that are indicative of maximal effort exercise during a simulated confrontation with a noncompliant inmate. Given the nature of the position, agencies should attempt to hire individuals that have the potential to be able to work in these situations and training instructors should ensure they are physically developed so they can function and make correct decisions when providing maximal effort under stress.
Occupational police tests described in the literature can serve as indicators of the occupational performance of their employees. In addition, practitioners in charge of police training should develop and employ obstacle courses composed of critical work tasks, as they may be strongly related to tests of aerobic endurance, strength, muscular endurance, and agility.
Annette Zapp, Lieutenant Firefighter in Chicago, talks to the Former NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about strength and conditioning in the firefighting niche. Topics under discussion include the perks of being a firefighter who is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®), the typical lifestyles and attitudes of firefighters in general, and common issues that they face both physically and mentally.
Find Annette on Twitter: @FireSQFitness or Instagram: @FireSQFitness