Calgary police post job listing for yoga instructor

CALGARY, Alberta, March 18 (UPI) -- Police in a Canadian city posted a job listing for a yoga teacher to provide classes for members of the police force.

The listing posted by Calgary police service seeks an instructor with "proven experience and expertise" to provide yoga classes for both sworn officers and civilian members of the police force.

A duration of one year with the option for an additional four is listed in the post, but no salary details are disclosed.

Council member Sean Chu told the Calgary Herald the position is part of the police service's Corporate Employee Wellness program, which also features Zumba and bootcamp classes for members of the force.

"Wellness and health is actually saving the police money in the long term and also increasing productivity," Chu said. "Personally, I didn't take part in any of it. But there's all sorts of different classes: aerobic, exercise and other things, too."

Yoga has been offered as part of the service's training since 2003 and Council member Druh Farrell said it can help officers handle the mental stress of the job.

"There's a tremendous amount of stress associated with emergency services and protective services; a high level of PTSD," Farrell said.

Interested parties can apply online, and the listing will be open through April 4.