The Nashua Police Department is running an incentive program to keep their forces in top physical and mental health.
New Hampshire state standards require police officers to complete their physical fitness tests at least within the 35th percentile of the Cooper Aerobics Institute standards.
“It’s abysmal and embarrassing to say it in public,” said Nashua Police Deputy Chief James Testaverde. “That is the state standard. It is not the standard of the Nashua Police Department. “
Last week, city officials agreed to an agreement with the Nashua Police Patrolman’s Association and the Nashua Police Supervisor’s Association to offer an optional physical fitness wellness incentive test that would replace the traditional physical fitness test.
The aim is to encourage officers to keep themselves as fit as possible, said Alderman Richard Dowd.
“It’s completely voluntary,” said Testaverde.
The exam consists of the bench press, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run.
Anyone who hits at least the 80th percentile for each of the test sections will receive a paid day off as part of the incentive program – essentially a spa day, he said.
Anyone who reaches at least the 90th percentile in each of the test segments will receive two paid days off; larger holidays are not allowed and the administration can refuse requests if they cause overtime.
“Wellness promotes physical health. It promotes good mental health. It promotes longevity and loyalty in this area and also reduces absenteeism, “the MP said, emphasizing the need for officials to be in excellent physical shape.
City Council President Lori Wilshire praised the police for taking steps to improve the health of their officers.
“Thirty-five percent appear to have set the bar very low,” Wilshire said of state standards.
While some officers can easily reach the higher standards of incentive, Testaverde said the majority of them will have to work to reach these new levels.
“Again, this is not up to Navy Seals standards, but we want our officers to be in much, much better physical shape,” he said.
