Police officer promotes health incentives

CHICAGO, March 8 (UPI) -- Chicago's new top cop is considering new ways to encourage officers to stay fit, a report said.

Police Superintendent Jody Weis, a former FBI agent and fitness advocate who took over the department Feb. 1, is brainstorming changes to the monetary incentives the city's contract with the police union now pays in an effort to get officers healthy, the Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.

Weis would encourage officers to consider "holistic" methods for maintaining their health, police spokeswoman Monique Bond said.

"This is the city of beef sandwiches, hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. But of course, it's a good idea," Belmont District Officer Dennis Mushol said.

The department's union contract now gives $250 a year to officers who complete certain running, bench-press and sit-up requirements. The Fraternal Order of Police wants to see those incentives increased to $500 in 2008 and $850 sometime after that, the Tribune reported.