North-West England police trial fitness trackers for officers

A police force in North-West England has launched a new initiative to help officers stay fit. Officers were given fitness trackers as part of a seven-month trial, which showed promising results. The study was conducted in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University and Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service. During the trial, 120 police officers and staff wore a Biostrap fitness tracker to monitor their health, including sleep patterns and heart-rate data. Results showed that 93 percent of participants felt more aware of their health after using the device. Additionally, 72 percent made significant changes to improve their exercise, sleep, and diet. Dr. Carol Cox, who led the trial, highlighted the stress police officers face, noting that post-traumatic stress levels are much higher in police compared to the general population. With growing numbers of officers needing larger uniforms, this trial aims to address health issues within the force. Merseyside Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims expressed pride in the study and emphasized the importance of officers taking care of their health to serve the community effectively. The initiative is gaining national attention and aims to use technology to enhance officers' well-being. Future studies will continue to explore the benefits of wearable technology in policing. Oscar Kilo plans to evaluate the results with the hope of expanding the initiative across England, emphasizing trust and personalized support for officers.