Many of Guam's police officers are getting away with not having to take the required physical fitness test. With the test being mandated by Guam law, how are these officers still able to go out on patrol? That’s the concern from their fellow officers who for weeks have been outraged over the situation.

Many shared with KUAM News their lingering worries for their safety knowing their partner and their backup pose a liability and risk while on the job. Dozens of Guam Police officers currently on the streets and not physically patrol ready.

That’s according to multiple concerned GPD officers who wish to remain unnamed. These officers telling KUAM they do not want officers who may have limited liabilities responding to emergency calls, adding these officers should be placed on administrative duty.

The problem is certain officers continue responding to calls without passing the mandated Police Officer Physical Agility Test, also known as POPAT.

"I think that physical fitness just needs to be part of who they are and what they do for many different reasons," said former chief of police Joseph Cruz. "I am not saying they need to be a gym rat or cross fit guru, but they need to take that extra step to be physically fit."

The standards were put in place when Chief Cruz was in charge. "The intent of that law was to be able to establish a healthier employee, a healthier officer to be able to work in the public safety arena with the Government of Guam," she said.

The final law passed in 2018. And after a two-year pause caused by the pandemic, law enforcement this year are again required to take the test.

Current police chief Stephen Ignacio says that close to 200 officers passed it last month. More than 60 others were either on leave or submitted medical waivers. Ignacio admitted guidance on what to do with those who fall short of the requirement has yet to be finalized by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

"If there are, in fact, police officers out there not physically able to provide backup where an officer needs back up at a disturbance, riot in progress or any call then it becomes an officer’s survival issue and the safety of that officer could be in jeopardy," he stated.

Ignacio says there will be an opportunity for officers to take it again soon. Still, several on the force feel officer safety and officer survival is a major concern knowing fellow cops with medical liabilities are still responding to emergencies.

"Their concern is valid. They need to sit down and talk amongst each other and figure out how to go forward to be able to be safe out in the field and at the same time be in compliance with the law," he said.

Cruz added that if there is no solution then it could mean that the law would again need to be changed.

KUAN News spoke with POST Commission acting executive director Bob Camacho, who says the bottom line is that officers are mandated to take the fitness test and are given multiple chances to pass. Ultimately, Camacho says officers who have yet to pass it have until December 31 before further action may be taken.