Every police officer to face annual fitness tests Anyone who fails the annual test three times would face "unsatisfactory performance or disciplinary procedures," which could lead to a pay cut. The report's authors insisted they were "not looking for supermen," merely ensuring that officers were able to carry out their jobs properly. Running after a suspect, or apprehending a violent or disturbed person, requires physical fitness and strength. A non-specialist officer who cannot do these things is incapable of some of the most elementary parts of police work, and when deployed may be a danger to himself, his colleagues and the public. It went on: "During August 2011, there were cases of senior officers leading their officers in confronting and tackling violent and dangerous rioters. It is also appropriate that senior officers should set an example of physical capacity, resilience and fortitude in their leadership of their officers and staff, as they do in other respects. It is claimed that fitter officers will be better at their jobs and sickness absence may fall as a result, although if many officers fail the running tests they may end up on "restricted duties" that could lead to their retirement on ill-health grounds. The study warns forces that officers who would likely fail the test because of a medical condition, rather than an "unhealthy lifestyle," should not be discriminated against but rather given a more appropriate job. It claims that in the 19th century, policemen often walked 20 miles a day on the beat, and worked seven days a week in shifts lasting up to 12 hours. But in recent years officers have increasingly used cars and motorbikes to get around while specialist teams often work in offices rather than patrolling the streets, while the general population has also become more sedentary. As a result, tests taken by the Metropolitan Police in 2011 found that just 25 per cent of male officers and staff were of normal weight, with 52 per cent overweight, 22 per cent obese and 1 per cent morbidly obese. Of the women surveyed, 50 per cent were of normal weight with 32 per cent overweight, 16 per cent obese and 2 per cent morbidly obese. These rates of obesity are higher than those recorded in the general population.