More Than 200 Texas State Troopers Need To Lose Weight According To DPS
The Texas Department of Public Safety wants more than 200 state troopers to lose weight by the end of the year or else they could face discipline and even be taken off of patrol.
The Dallas Morning News reported on the new policy for state troopers earlier this week. Under the new policy male troopers who have a waist over 40 inches and women with a waist over 35 would have to track and share their weight loss journey with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Those who don't slim down by December can be denied overtime, promotions, and even removed from enforcement duties.
According to the Dallas Morning News, 213 officers in April failed the waistline requirement. However, only two of the 213 failed the physical fitness test.
As of April, 213 officers — out of about 4,000 total — had failed the waistline requirement, according to the department. Only two of the 213 also failed the physical fitness test for which officers can choose between rowing tests, a combat fitness evaluation or a standard assessment that includes a mile-and-a-half run, push-ups and sit-ups.
Critics say the waist requirement is arbitrary, unfairly harsh on women and doesn’t directly relate to an officer’s job duties.
“DPS is continuing in its plan to harass, discipline, and even discharge outstanding officers for not meeting its physical fitness testing standards and appearance standards,” the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association said in a statement.
KAMC reported that the Department of Public Safety will also give out rewards for those who lose weight. Those rewards include a "fitness star" that can be worn on the officer.
Come December, we will see how many officers are pulled from enforcement, but so far it's a controversial plan.