At least 200 Texas State Troopers risk disciplinary action if they don’t slim down by the end of 2022, according to a new policy under the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Officers’ waistlines are now a serious problem in the Lone Star State, and men and women with waistlines over 40 inches and 35 inches, respectively, will have to put down the donuts or face discipline, according to a report.
Troopers with waistlines above the aforementioned limits will be required to track and report their weight loss, the report noted.
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“I will drink no more than one diet soda each day,” one officer said.
Another vowed to “drastically cut sugar intake in all its forms.”
If weight requirements are not met by December, officers risk being denied overtime and promotions, according to the report. Some may even be removed from enforcement duties.
Despite passing the fitness tests, larger officers will still be required to lose weight under the new policy. This has caused some to question the measure.
Some suggested that the policy is prejudiced against women, the report noted.
“DPS is continuing in its plan to harass, discipline, and even discharge outstanding officers for not meeting its physical fitness testing standards and appearance standards,” a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association read.
An attempt to stop the waistline policy was made in 2019 by the association, but the suit was dismissed.
DPS “continuously evaluates all programs for improvement,” a spokesperson for the agency said.
“Recommendations and potential changes will be discussed at the August 2022 (Public Safety Commission) meeting after the department has analyzed data from two complete testing cycles.”
The idea that troopers could be relieved of their duties for weight-related issues comes as Texas is working to recruit more officers and build up border security, according to the report.
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A fitness improvement plan will be provided to officers whose waists are considered too large, the report noted.
