I spent a while today thinking about your frustration. I can understand it, but the thing to remember is, well at least for most agencies I know of, there is a physical requirement of binocular vision (as well as good hearing in both ears). This is two-fold; one is officer safety - because you have to be able to pick up things in the peripheral vision, impossible one one side if blind in that eye (really important in pursuits and shooting situations), the other is the agencies liability in an accident or accidental shooting situation involving someone who has no peripheral vision of one side or the other.
The physical fitness of some officers is definitely a sore spot for many agencies. Some have continued physical fitness standards, many do not. In my own defense I can say that even though I have an affinity for glazed doughnuts, surprise
, I still wear the same gunbelt I wore when I graduated. Not the same size belt, THE same belt, snugged to the same notch. It fits and I keep it polished and serviceable, still wear the same sized uniforms too. Any one from the board who know me can tell you I'm reasonably fit.
I too often wonder how some of the officers can get into the shape they are in, or how they can expect to respond to an extreme physical confrontation.
__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72
'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis
2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel
Non illegitemae carborundum.