South African police officers being forced to get fit under health program
By APMonday, March 22, 2010
Fitness program whipping SAfrican cops into shape
PRETORIA, South Africa — South African police officers are being forced to get fit so they can better chase criminals.
The South African Police Service launched a new health program Monday called Viva Fitness! About 200 police trainees kicked off the program by doing jumping jacks and other exercises.
The officers also will be required to have their body mass index monitored and they’ll have to maintain the uniform size issued when they leave the academy.
The police service says the program is not related to the upcoming World Cup tournament.
However, concerns have been raised about the safety of an estimated 500,000 visitors expected to descend upon South Africa in June and July. The country has one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime.
