A Model for Enhancing the Physical Fitness of Operational Police Personnel

Educational, military, and law enforcement institutions are ideal settings for implementing programs to enhance employees' physical fitness. This study aimed to develop a model for improving the physical fitness of operational police units in Bushehr, focusing on the region's geographical and natural conditions.

This applied, developmental study employed a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase involved purposive sampling of senior officials in the physical training and operational units of the Bushehr police, alongside sports science experts. The sample reached theoretical saturation after semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, using the snowball technique. In the quantitative phase, 239 operational police officers in Bushehr in 1212 were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via interviews and a researcher-designed questionnaire. MAXQDA was used for qualitative data analysis, while SPSS was employed for demographic analysis.

The analysis identified 662 concepts, grouped into 77 subcategories across six main dimensions: budget allocation, sports infrastructure and equipment, collaboration with sports organizations, use of coaches, diet and nutrition, and planning and training.

The proposed model for enhancing physical fitness in Bushehr police units emphasized key components such as physical strength, performance, flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination, sportsmanship, and health. Fitness indicators included muscular and cardiovascular fitness, respiratory health, physical and mental wellbeing, nutritional health, environment, and type of exercise.