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Judge Blocks Enforcement Of Killeen’s Police Fitness Program
A state district judge granted a temporary injunction Friday, putting the brakes on the Killeen Police Department’s mandatory fitness testing program, which was to have started on Tuesday.
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Posted by: What?
Location: Centex
on Oct 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
RE: Robrob. The officers you are making excuses for have know the policy was going to be implemented for two years. It is not as if they came into work on a Monday morning to find a new and surprising physical fitness requirement staring at them. They have no excuses. I hope they do not expect much sympathy from the Soldiers in the town they patrol. All Soldiers, male, female, young and old are expected to comply with physical fitness standards, and are subject to separation if they cannot maintain the standards. What is the issue? Sorry if I do not feel a ton of sympathy for someone unwilling follow the same sort of policies I am expected to follow. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: rob rob
Location: waco
on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:00 PM
well, you are right about the "at will"...I guess you don't live in Killeen then. You must live in a bubble with a great security system. FYI, you still have to abide by the law when you fire someone...you can't descrimintate because of age, sex, or handicap, etc. They should grandfather employees that have had good history and reviews. A "new" fitness requirement should only apply to "new" employees. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Oct 11, 2009 at 07:53 PM
hey rob rob ,,,,, Texas is an "at will " employment state , which means they can FIRE them anytime and don't have to give a REASON !!! and in turn an employee can QUIT at anytime , without REASON !!!! all KPD has to say is " WE NO LONGER NEED YOUR SERVICES" !!!! and they are GONE ! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: What?
Location: Centex
on Oct 11, 2009 at 11:53 AM
@ C from Copperas Cove; Your quote "Come on, most of you are probably military and if a 40 year old soldier was forced to pass a 21 year olds APFT (Other than SF, etc) you all would be whining" hold no water. A 40 year old Soldier has to run 2 miles in 18:18, the KPD fitness test requires all officers to run 1.5 miles in 18 minutes. Who is asking you to pass the 21 year old standard? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: rob rob
Location: waco
on Oct 11, 2009 at 07:27 AM
I can't believe some of you people!This is the force that protects your community!This isn't about a high school physical fitness test, this is about changing the reglations and not abiding by the law!This test is not only required for the patrol force,it is for office staff,veterans,forensics and all depts.The point is,your employers can't just tell you after 5 years of working and doing a good job,"Here is our new standad,no exceptions,pass or you're fired." ALL police forces are dwindling in number because the lack of pay,the struggle with their family life,the stress,plus they don't get appreciation from the people they protect.Seriously,watch a movie with a cop in it,they are always miserable.Guess what,that is usually the life of a cop.You become a cop to help protect,but citizens never realize what they go through.Also,if these guys go on strike,where does that leave you complainers?There is only 15-20 cops out at a time,fire 2 each shift,you do the math.Less officers=more crime [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: JERRY
Location: TEMPLE
on Oct 11, 2009 at 02:27 AM
I AM A DISABLED NAVY VETERAN I SERVED 17 YEARS ON ACTIVE DUTY. WHEN I WAS ON ACTIVE DUTY WE HAD TO DO THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS WE HAD TO RUN 2 MILES IN A TIME LIMIT PLUS EXERCISES IF WE COULDN`T MAKE IT WE WERE PLACED ON MANDITORY EXERCISE PROGRAM TO WHERE WE HAD REMEDIAL AFTER WORK EXERCISES AND RUN UNTILL WE WERE ABLE TO PASS THE REQUIRED RUN AND EXERCISES. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Oct 11, 2009 at 12:23 AM
a couple of comments here !!! don't get "meal breaks" , huh they get FREE meals at whataburger !!!! bet they FREQUENT there !!! i think everyone is forgetting that Texas is an "at will employment state", maybe KPD should use that avenue ???? they were given plenty of time to shape up , now they should SHIP out !!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Luckenbach
Location: Texas
on Oct 10, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Here we go again! Out goes the donuts, in with the physical fitness. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Oct 10, 2009 at 06:28 PM
These are the same officers who have provided this community a dedicated service since 1882, way before the PRB was ever implemented. These are the same officers that when they do their job (Ex. Look Just To Your Right In The Most Discussed Section, Pay Particular Attention To: MOTHER OF SOLDIER KILLED BY KILLEEN POLICE OFFICER FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT), they are scrutinized and called RACIST. Until you have ever walked in OFFICERS shoes, you will never know what they go through. Criminals have more rights than officers do. Criminals can shot at an officer and walk away with a UCW (misdemeanor) charge, just to walk the streets again and never be held responsible. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Bubbles
Location: Killeen
on Oct 10, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Actually, if you idiots knew what you were talking about I might care what you were writing. The fact is it's not about not being able to pass the test, it's about the fact that the way the policy is trying to be implemented violates the law. Try reading all the news stories instead of just running off at the mouth, then make a somewhat educated comment. Since the judge gave them an injunction and said they were very likely to win the lawsuit you should probably get the picture that something is legally wrong with the policy. But nope. Instead you would rather talk trash about people you don't know and about something your minds evidentally can't comprehend. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: k
Location: killeen
on Oct 10, 2009 at 05:38 PM
go figure, only in Killeen, where the cops dont want to be in shape....no, instead of keeping watch in our neighborhoods they would rather sit in school parking lots eating while watching speeders and criminals go by. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: ?
Location: ?
on Oct 10, 2009 at 04:25 PM
You people have no clue....Cheif doesn't have to do it [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Rob
Location: Central Texas
on Oct 10, 2009 at 01:25 PM
The job naturally calls for peak physical fitness. If you can't adhere to that, it's not the job for you. Get a desk job somewhere else. Running 1 mile in twenty minutes is not too much to ask! (The Army demands twice the distance in the same time for the oldest personnel.) Shape up, whiners! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Someone
Location: Near-Here
on Oct 10, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Thank you 169th District Court Judge Gordon Adams. Now any of the rest of you commentors need to get in shape!!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: one man gang
Location: 76712
on Oct 10, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Sounds like the good ol boy network in full effect to me. I don't even live in Killeen, but this measure is needed statewide I think. These dozen doughnut eating, out of shape, Barney Fifes. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: funny
Location: waco
on Oct 10, 2009 at 10:54 AM
From the looks of some of these guys they need a fitness program. If they had to chase some one down they would probably have a heart attack from all the weight they carry. Nothing bad about being fit. A lot easier on your bones and heart.Too bad you can't see yourself like you are. Just keep on eating. it won't go away by itself. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: C
Location: Copperas Cove
on Oct 10, 2009 at 07:08 AM
To all you idiots that have posted before me: This is not a fight about a fitness test, it is about the policy that the administration concocked. The fact that a vetern officer that has been injured in the line of duty, or a hired as a Military Veteran with disabilities, must pass the same test as a new recruit or face disiplinary action or firing. Come on, most of you are probably military and if a 40 year old soldier was forced to pass a 21 year olds APFT (Other than SF, etc) you all would be whining; and I lay odds, seeing all the fat and out of shape soldiers on Ft Hood, alot would face discharge or additional PT. These officers protect you every day and none have been unable to catch the scumbags. Lay off the derogatory comments and look in the mirror. I guess a soldier should be in shape also so he/she can protect our country at war, but look at yourselves and your fellow soldiers before you open your chubby cheeked faces, not to include those in tennis shoes. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sissy
Location: Killeen
on Oct 10, 2009 at 02:39 AM
the fitness of the officer for duty without medical consultation. For those of you that are or have been military affiliated (and those that are not) let me help you understand: there is no differentiation based on age or gender like the military PT policy. Male/female, age 21 or 60 no difference in standards. There are no “profiles”, you pass the standards or lose your job. There are no other positions in the department that these officers can work in, they either are or are not police officers. Think of it this way, you join the military. From the time you join until you hit your 15th or 20th year in service anniversary date there is NO PHYSICAL TRAINING. Then all of a sudden you are told the military is implementing a new fitness policy and you have to meet the same standards that the just out of high school kid in boot camp has to meet. REALLY? That’s a big moral builder isn’t it! Officers of KPD have unselfishly given to this community and need and deserve our support! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sissy
Location: Killeen
on Oct 10, 2009 at 02:35 AM
Let me start by saying that it appalls me to see the lack of respect that some of you have for these officers that lay their lives on the line everyday to protect you, the ungrateful. I wish to clear up some of the misstatements that have been posted thus far. Firstly, this lawsuit does not just represent the six officers named, but an overwhelming majority of officers employed by KPD, whether they can or cannot pass the PRB test. Up until 5 years ago there was NO PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST required to be hired as an officer at KPD. It was at that time that an agility test was implemented and was only required of entry level officers as a condition of hire and had nothing at all to do with continued employment. In the spring of 2008 the Physical Readiness Battery (current policy) was introduced and after spending a lot of taxpayer money a standard was set. The issue at hand is NOT the physical fitness test; it is the way the administration has chosen to supersede state law in determing [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Doesnt Matter
Location: Temple
on Oct 10, 2009 at 01:50 AM
I agree with all that have posted so far. Why are we allowing these police officers to stay employed if they can measure up to their own standards, and what are the names of the officers who might loose thier jobs? are they fit enough to at least sit behind a desk and the city can at least get them of the streets before they have a heart attack and sue the city for allowing them to stay at thier demanding jobs? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: So what is new
Location: Cove where else(oops Killeen also)
on Oct 10, 2009 at 12:31 AM
I am sure it would be toooooo much to expect our law enforcement officers to be in good shape just like our soldiers are required to be. Why would we require the men and women who are sworn to protect us to be in shape so that they could respond quickly to our needs, just as we expect our soldiers to do. However I have come to understand that as employees if we do not like the requirements of the job we just sue to change them. Shame on the So called officers who filed this lawsuit [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Loco1
on Oct 9, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I applied to the police force 2 years ago after I retired from the army. At the time I was able to run 2 miles in under 12 minutes, max my sit ups and push ups. Most police departments told me I was too old. I couldn't believe it. Most cops can't run around the corner. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Ina
Location: Waco
on Oct 9, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I am glad the Judge sees the unfairness and discrimination that this lawsuit is about. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: MsMe
Location: Texas
on Oct 9, 2009 at 10:58 PM
ITS NOT A MATTER OF WANTING TO TAKE THE TEST. ITS A MATTER OF LOSING A JOB OR PROMOTION OVER NOT PASSING ONE PART OF THE TEST. The test is not job specific . and NO the leaders that be are not classified as civil servants hence they are exempt [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: JT
Location: Killeen
on Oct 9, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Maybe the military should file a lawsuit against there physical test!! there's just a bunch of fat lazy pansies on the killeen force i guess who think they should have everything givin to them. i mean seriously why not just hire one citizen for each officer so the officer can get pulled around in a wagon so he doesnt have to do anything at all. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: G
Location: Killeen
on Oct 9, 2009 at 10:25 PM
The law was not complied with by the city. No one has said that the officers didn't want to get into shape. Everyone that thinks this is just to keep from getting fit needs to educate themselves on the issue before openning your trap. The officers don't have a contract with the city, thats why the local government code was created. Everyone in the military had to sign a contract with lots of fine print on it which indicates that they will obey the orders of those appointed over them. Not so for the officers. Some of you people need to educate yourselves on the difference between the military and the civilian worlds. As for the rest who gripe about the officers suing the city, walk a mile in the officers shoes first then make your comments. Great job to the officers for standing up for a huge injustice!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: RETIRED
Location: Florence
on Oct 9, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Most of the officers having problems passing are not even in patrol. the officers that are in patrol and having problems were either injured in the line of duty or were injured preparing for this test. most of the officers that are fighting this were hired when there was no PT test when they were hired they're veterans that the department knew had disabilites. How many of you can even pass the requirements to become a police officer? how many of you would put your life on the line for someone else? no one ever hears when officers go above and beyond and catch the criminals or save someones life because thats not news.when you hear gunshots you head the other way and the officers you are bashing head toward the danger for your protection. your generalizations that cops are a bunch of fat lazy donut eating are just wrong. KPD officers work 10hr shifts, don't get meal breaks and answer more calls for service than the cops in Austin or Dallas. They are very dedicated to serving the public [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: john
Location: killeen
on Oct 9, 2009 at 09:30 PM
once again we see our sorry police are cry babies i want donuts and a car to sit in don't call me i'm to weak to help you killeen cops are a joke [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Hb
Location: Killeen
on Oct 9, 2009 at 08:07 PM
This is so ridiculous! Why shouldn't we expect our police officers to be able to pass a physical test? These officers should be required to keep up with their physical fitness in order to perform certain duties while on their shifts. Running to help someone, or being able to catch up with a criminal who takes off from the crime scene, etc....Being an officer doesn't just require you to sit in your patrol car until you need to get out to give a traffic ticket. Yes these people need to be held accountable for their physical fitness or lack of it. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Oct 9, 2009 at 07:52 PM
It's a shame there are police officers who feel they have to sue their employer because they cannot pass a physical fitness test. That's like a teacher suing their school district for expecting them to know how to read and write. I hope these out-of-shape officers don't ever have to run down any criminals. What's the world coming to? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: susan
Location: belton
on Oct 9, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Sounds to me to be a bunch of overweight,out of shape,lazy officers that are fighting this requirement, now when you first join the force they was a physical requirement right? now that you are on the force for so many years, why would you LET yourself get outta of shape as such?? I bet if a cash bonus was involved, this lawsuit would not be a factor! This is crazy, so to sum it all up...there has been a lawsuit filed cause they don't want to lose weight and get back fit??? How sorry is that??!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Oct 9, 2009 at 05:01 PM
as usual the FAT LAZY lawsuit happy scum have been able to hide behind some SPINELESS court/JUDGE !!! go celebrate at KRISPY KREAM !!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: American Soldier
Location: Iraq
on Oct 9, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Come on you doughnut munching idiots, you had 2 years to fight this or get in shape, stop sitting around at Shipley's and hang out at the Gym. We have to stay in better shape that the requirements that the city has enacted to perform our jobs protecting the country, you should be fit enough to protect the public. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: It's Me
on Oct 9, 2009 at 04:28 PM
The Chief and other administrators have to take the test right? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: concerned
Location: Central texas
on Oct 9, 2009 at 04:18 PM
This was known 2 years ago? Get a life and get in shape. You should have gotten in shape 2 years ago and not a complaining now. I wouldn't want you to fall over dead during a foot pursuit and the city liable for that financial responsibility.Be a positive image for law enforcement and not a donut advertisement. [ Report Abuse ] |
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SUPER SIZE IT , PLEASE !!!!
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correct me if im wrong, but Texas State Troopers and our Texas Rangers aren't "fat"... are they? Local cops, well, just sit back and observe and you'll see...
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Minimal physical activity...it's mandatory in Kindergarten for crying out loud! Poor poor cops, always complaining. "We don't get paid enough" etc. Why be a cop then? You want respect? Maybe you should stop doing something you don't believe in. "If it were up to me, you wouldn't be in trouble". The mantra of cops everywhere. If you don't agree with a law that you enforce, you are indeed perpetrating a fraud. The armed forces have to be in shape because they protect Americans....but police don't? Along comes a chance to better the Police department and you file suit against it? Typical police behavior... ever heard of a mental state where in you become so sure that you are right that you cannot except an alternate explanation? It is common among Police, who will never admit they were wrong. Here is a clear case of that superiority complex. "How dare you tell us what to do...we are the LAW!" A little pride guys. C'mon! Betcha' crack dealers can run a mile easily.
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Man! Does this boil me! I think we have too many over weigh police and they buck the system, thing the norm they're cops!!!most never even get outt of they're patrol cars, they shouldn't be treated no differant then the Military, and should have to requilify on an anual baces Goodness!!!
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The program would go against their routine of stuffing themselves down at the donut shops. Now armed with tasers they do not need to be in physical shape. Just stand there and shoot at whatever displeases.
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they need to lose the weight...period. There should be an acceptation for those who are disabled. Being overweight is a chose for 95% of Americans. Anyone over a certain BMI should have to pay triple for their triple cheeseburgers. Quit whining, hit the gym and make a change. People do it every day. If you have an addiction to food, get therapy. I work out everyday and I pass the fast food restaurants up to go home and eat baked chicken and salad. It is all a choice. I could eat burgers and fries every day, I love them, but I know and understand the heath risks associated with those foods and choose to live healthier. The coppers need to do that also.
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Maybe they could run fast enough to keep up with vehicles dragging them instead of just shooting!
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As much as I hate to get tickets and as much as I would rather see police patrolling my neighborhood more I have to admit that they should be treated fairly, too. The article said the department was going to revise the policy to comply with the Texas Government Code. Had they done that from the start they could have saved taxpayer money from being wasted in court.
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rob-rob,,,, no discrimination in the "at will" right, WE NO LONGER NEED YOUR "OFFICER WHOMEVER" SERVICES . PERIOD !!! they don't have to give them an explanation of anything!!! it is AT WILL !!!! surely their not STUPID enough to say something DISCRIMINATORY !!! SEND THE FATTIES PACKING !!!!
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Killeen... The City... Of "Super Cops"... lol... but only because they are always in the drive thru saying "Super Size It"... They could use this as a positive thing to get in shape, but we've raised a country of nit-wits that would rather get by doing as little as possible to earn a paycheck and whine instead of doing something to show or earn respect for their city and their families. Pathetic excuses of human beings.
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KPD can't pass a PT test all they have to do is shoot.
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There is nothing more disgraceful to me, than a big fat slovenly cop. Who is he supposed to chase down? I think if you are in a car patrolling, you should be able to apprehend a suspect who runs...from what I've seen lately, they couldn't apprehend anything. Also, if a cop can't shoot a suspect who runs...then what's the point of arguing that you don't have to be in shape. The test seems simple, and I'm a 35yr old female. Quit whining and just get in shape, should only take about 6wks...really!
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Killeen, should make them do some type of required fitness. If they can't perform the required test then they sould be put on a probationary period till they can. By then if they still can't performe the the fitness test. Then wal-Mart needs some door greeters. If they are out of shape that tells me they were never keeping fit in the first place so they can protect the community.
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To sissy I'm not a fan of your post. You know why people have a lack respect for you? You have some idea in your head that you are better than, normal people. Let m
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There needs to be help with the fitness of our cops. One previous commentator had a good point. The fast food business need to quit giving our cops free food, this goes for Pizza Hut, Waterburger and the Chinese Buffet places and several others. The police go to these places cause its free but its not healthy. Start eating at healthier places! You make enough money don't whine about the pay! Does the police department have a dietary/physicial fitness consultant to help them stay in shape? If not maybe its something to invest in.
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