does size count?

[sambrown]

I have a beef that I really need to get off my chest. I am an aspiring LEO, and am taking all steps I can to better myself as an applicant. The other day while speaking to the professor
(a retired old school cop) he made a comment that made me think. He looked me up and down and said, "I hope you plan to gain a few pounds before you apply". I am 5'10' and a lean 175 pounds. I study ju jitsu and keyokishin karate, and have taken defensive tactics (PPCT)training. I like the size I am now, any more weight and my distance running and stairclimbing would surely drop. I just wanted to know if you all thought that a police officers worth is measured by his weight.

I truely believe the age of "hiring officers by the pound" is (in my opinion) outdated. This modern age of Law enforcement has seen a new dawn of control instruments, as well as modernized training designed to subdue the most problematic of customers.

Todays PD's are looking for applicants with degrees, in contrast to the years of getting hired out of high school. The modern concept of "community policing" has brought about changes in the way LEO's conduct their buisness. Current policing is less about braun, and more about brain. (sorry for the cliche')

I do know that certain situations require intense physical contact, in order to gain and maintain control. And I also know that public perception is vital, but do we need to look like bouncers in uniform?

[ 11-19-2002, 07:03 AM: Message edited by: sambrown ]

[culbyak]

I am 6' and during the last three years, my weight has fluctuated back and forth from 145 to 205 and has settled on around 160. I'm not into heavy lifting, but stay in shape by doing calisthenics and running. Although I have never had a serious confrontation on duty, I regularly spar (horseplay) with co-workers and seldom have trouble holding my own.

As the saying goes: It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Just keep that in mind (proper mindset) and realize that not being able to control an aggressor may cost your life.

If you have doubts about your size, hit the gym.

[deputy37]

well, for once in my life, being a 'rubinesque' woman is to my advantage. I'm a farmer, not quite as lean as I should be, but very strong.

I get a TON more respect from my fellow officers than the pretty, petite, blonde little thang that is the only other Deputy in the County. The boyz always go to back her up, *I* go to back *them* up... Suspects don't really think twice about messing with me... woman or not.

After really worrying I'm too heavy, (the opposite of your question, I know) I actually got out there, doing stuff. What counts is being FIT and STRONG. Size, shape and weight don't matter as much as comfortable in the body you're in and using it well. So IMHO, being where you are comfortable, in control, and strong is your 'ideal' size.

...sigh... besides, you're going to look SO much better in uniform than me...

[ateamer]

The size of the cop doesn't usually matter, but when it's go time, I'd rather have a bruiser watching my back than a thinker. I am 6' and was about 175 when hired. Through heavy weight training and eating incredible amounts, I am now a solid 245. It is very rare when anyone wants to resist. I have had several ex-cons tell me that they would have fought if I was average-sized. That seems true for other big officers. It's usually the small officers who have more resistings. But again, fighting ability can make up for size.

[Joseph]

I'm 5ft 10 and gained a little weight after I went on the job to about 190 because I was getting. pushed around a bit. I worked out and found at that weight I was more comfortable than being 170. Some weight behind you does have it's advantage if it's muscle.

[OfcMikey]

Size can be an advantage, but skill and determination are more important.
Ignore the "old school" guys who think that if you are not 6'+ you shouldn't be a cop.

[shooter1201]

We have a local deputy that MIGHT be 505 and 120 pounds soaking wet. Did I mention he was a former MARINE Drill Instructor???

[txinvestigator1]

Sam Brown

Relax. Old professor, old opinions. And you are going to find people all of the time who will try to discourage you, whether intentional or not.

5'10/175 sounds ideal. What is your BF%?

I spar guys bigger than me all of the time. If they ever make contact I might be in trouble...I just don't let 'em.

I also take a Jui Jitsu seminar monthly, and have found that with proper technique, I can easily control a much bigger guy on the ground.