Overweight Traffic Cops Ordered to Exercise
Due to the fact that the majority of the 858 "oficiales de Tránsito" - traffic cops - in the country that patrol the highways and bi-ways of the country are overweight, the Dirección General de Tránsito has issued them an order to "meterse en cintura" - tighten the belt - or go to the gym.

The announcement was made by Tránsito sub-director, Huanelgue Gutiérrez, who explained the program to get the "Tráficos" in shape, both physical and mental, as part of their ability to do their job. The need is especially important now, said Gutiérrez, as the Tráficos are now much more visible on the streets.

Gutiérrez explained that part of the problem of overweight is due to the 12 hour shift cycle that his officers daily put in and then prefer to sit back and do nothing instead of taking part in sports or other physical activity.

Gutiérrez said that in contrast officials of the Fuerza Pública (police) who are required to partake in physical activity at least three times a week, his officers have not been required. Until now.

Gutiérrez added that stress is another factor. The director said that the more than one million vehicles that now circulate the streets, the night shift and the rude attitude of drivers towards transit officers, adds to the stress factor and the overweight problem.

The director explained that the order is for his officers to use part of their lunch hour of free time for some form of physical activity. The Asociación Solidarista is making their gymnasium available to Tránsito officers practically free.

Gutiérrez added that his officers walk more, especially after spending a long shit at the wheel of a car or on a motorcycle. Playing futbol (soccer) is a great activity that the director recommends highly.

"We want that our officers enjoy the exercise and its benefits voluntarily and use their free time to train and enjoy life. We at the management level do so every day, we find time during our 12 hour shift to get fit", said Gutiérrez.