Physically unfit cops won’t be given any service medal: MHA

NEW DELHI: Policemen may find it difficult to stomach this — but those with a potbelly may not be considered for honours such as the President’s police medals.

The home ministry has made it clear that those tasked with law enforcement have to be physically fit to be considered for any award such as medals meant for distinguished and meritorious services.

Police officers who do not enjoy a clean image too will not be given any medals, it said.

In a circular issued to all state Governments and central police organisations yesterday, the ministry said police personnel should be physically fit and must be in what it described as ‘SHAPE 1’ category to be considered for the President’s police medal.

This category is the highest level of fitness in terms of psychological health, hearing, appendages, physical capacity and eyesight and implies that they can be posted for any duty.

Physically fit would also mean no flab, and certainly not a potbelly. (AGENCIES)