At issue: the NYPD’s decision to end the 1.5-mile run at the police academy.
As a former member of the NYPD, I would like to commend Police Commissioner Keith Sewell for trying to maintain physical standards for his department (“Academy Scraps Timed Run,” March 2).
It is true that policemen are not often engaged in mile-long foot chases, but they are often in situations that require physical strength and stamina.
It is not up to the department to meet the requirements of the applicants, it is up to the applicants to meet the requirements of the department.
Anyone in their 20s should be in good physical shape, especially if they are considering a career in a physically demanding job like law enforcement.
Making the grade should boost morale, not just show off—and get hired. Number of qualifications, for applicant and employer.
Robert DeCandia
New Hyde Park
I went through the NYPD Academy in 1992. There were some recruits in my class who not only couldn’t finish the 1.5 mile run on the first day, they couldn’t keep up with the physical training during gym class.
During the six-month academy, these recruits did not meet the minimum standards we were asked to meet to become police officers. Yet these recruits sat right next to me at graduation.
The standards for becoming an NYPD officer aren’t being lowered, they’re just “officially” lowering them.
The blame is not on the new recruits. The blame is squarely on politicians and agitators for stigmatizing police officers, making it a more dangerous and unfulfilling profession.
Those who deserve better and wear that shield with pride, don’t want the extra negative baggage given to it. Due to which less qualified people are ready to take the job.
Richard Cassetta
Staten Island
What is the real reason for ending the time race? Why is this an issue now? This is another form of “equity, diversity and inclusion” in the NYPD?
NYPD Training Chief Juanita Holmes has woken up. Since when does a Chief supersede the Commissioner?
Out of a class of hundreds, 42 were not fast enough. Too bad, too sad. Stop eating donuts and Popeye and hit the gym.
Mike Lepinga
Staten Island
Some may be upset that Chief Holmes ended the walkout requirement so more women could be on the police force. I am thrilled!
This leads me to use my gender to seek employment in fields for which I may not be qualified. As an example, I would love to be a neurosurgeon, but too many of those difficult courses are holding me back. I have already given up on anatomy. Let’s drop that requirement.
Wouldn’t patients be happy to see a woman in the operating room, regardless of ability? I’ll let that rhetorical question sink in for a bit.
Celine Ferrero
Naples, Fla.
It’s pretty clear that Chief Holmes has never chased a perp for blocks or run into a building through a public project, then have to continue the chase up 12 flights of stairs before making an arrest.
When I went through the academy in 1973, they were already lowering physical standards. Unfortunately, this police department was respected by the citizens of the city, who also supported the police.
The real reason they don’t get people into the department is that it has become one of the most underpaid jobs in our city today. Most people would love to pick up the trash. See the number of people taking the hygiene test.
Kim F. Cody
Whitestone
The NYPD’s decision to abandon the timed 1.5-mile run is not only shameful, but also unprofessional.
The time trial has long been considered a simple but highly reliable test of aerobic fitness. Even the required passing time of 14 minutes, 21 seconds was quite short.
Apparently even the most basic levels of fitness are no longer required by the NYPD. what a shame.
Frank Brady
Yonkers
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