Predictive Role of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Police Officers’ Work Assessment

Abstract

Police officers (POs) frequently encounter high stress and burnout risks in their demanding professional environment. This study delves into the relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and job performance among POs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1175 POs, with 691 providing complete responses. The survey included questions on biosocial and professional characteristics; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—short form; the Short Form Health Survey version 2.0; and a qualitative job performance evaluation. The key findings highlight that vigorous PA significantly enhances job performance. About 46.2% of POs engage in vigorous PA, with a notable 73.7% participating in some form of PA weekly. This study also found that age and gender considerably impact the HRQoL, especially in mental health aspects like vitality and social functioning. Vigorous PA is linked to higher job performance ratings, especially when practised consistently. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of vigorous PA in improving job performance among POs. We suggest that institutions prioritise facilitating environments that encourage regular PA, recognising its substantial benefits in both professional effectiveness and the overall health of POs. This study contributes to understanding the critical role of physical fitness in enhancing the occupational well-being of law enforcement personnel.

Best practices in police personal security: A systematic review

“…Comparable scientific approaches have also been expressed by P. Gullon-Scott & L. Longstaff (2024), P.A. Faria et al (2024). Clearly, the performance of tasks assigned to police officers, especially in extreme conditions, adversely affects the general condition of law enforcement officers.…”

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“…Comparable scientific approaches have also been expressed by P. Gullon-Scott & L. Longstaff (2024), P.A. Faria et al (2024). Clearly, the performance of tasks assigned to police officers, especially in extreme conditions, adversely affects the general condition of law enforcement officers.…”

The mediating effect of health behaviors on the association between job strain and mental health outcome: a national survey of police officers

“…Police, often confronted with highly stressful situations and burnout risk, are instrumental in saving lives in some instances but can also make individuals involved feel as though they are being treated like criminals 14 , 15 . The DRIVE model was applied to gauge work-related stress among Jamaica police officers, assessing the direct effects of work conditions on well-being.…”