Winnipeg police officers are asking for 40 minutes of daily gym time during their shifts to keep pace with criminals, who are increasingly emerging from jail more fit and muscular than ever before.

Mike Sutherland, president of the Winnipeg Police Association, says many officers work out on their own time to prepare themselves for their job. He believes they should also be given scheduled time to do so while on the clock, as officers in Calgary are allowed to do.

However, the Winnipeg Police Service has so far refused the request, Sutherland said.

"We're not asking for a free ride here, but if the city would meet us sort of halfway," he said. "Maybe a good workout would take you maybe 40 minutes to an hour. We're saying we'll give half the time -- 20 minutes or half an hour -- and [the officers] donate the other half [in unpaid time].

Full story


Take our poll